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RBSP B (38753)
COSPAR: 2012-046B | Alt Name: Radiation Belt Storm Probe B
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 30, 2012
Launch Site
Launch Pad
SLC41
Launch Vehicle
Atlas V 401
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
38753
International Designator
2012-046B
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 23:28:05 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
10.17°
Right Ascension
123.49°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
179.51°
Period
411.90 min
Mean Motion
3.50 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
RBSP B
Alternative Name
Radiation Belt Storm Probe B
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
GSFC/APL
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 38753U 12046B 26184.97783704 .00010906 00000-0 99656-3 0 9999
2 38753 10.1690 123.4866 6396561 179.5145 181.6852 3.49599931145130
Source: Celestrak
Summary
RBSP B, also known as Radiation Belt Storm Probe B, is a magnetospheric research satellite launched on August 30, 2012, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's SLC41 using an Atlas V 401 launch vehicle. It has an octagonal prism shape and measures 1.3 meters in length with a diameter of 1.8 meters and a span of 101.7 meters. The satellite weighs 667 kilograms at launch, with a dry mass of 611 kilograms. Equipped for magnetospheric research, it carries instruments such as EXT, EMFISIS, EFW, RBSPICE, and RPS, powered by four deployable fixed solar arrays and batteries. It is spin-stabilized and features eight MR-103G monopropellant thrusters. The satellite was designed for a two-year mission but achieved seven years of operation. Manufactured by APL, it operates under the ownership of GSFC/APL to conduct magnetospheric research.
Physical Characteristics
Length
1.3
Diameter
1.8
Span
101.7
Dry Mass
611
Launch Mass
667
Shape
Oct+4 pan+8 booms
Radar Cross Section
6.3851
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
RBSP B
Purpose
Magnetospheric Research
Mission
Magnetospheric Research
Manufacturer
APL
Life Expectancy
2 years (design); 7 years (achieved)
Bus
RBSP
Configuration
Octagonal prism, spin stabilzed
Motor
8 x MR-103G monopropellant thrusters
Equipment
EXT, EMFISIS, EFW, RBSPICE, RPS
Power System
4 deployable fixed solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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