Space Brief 14 Aug 2025
Today's brief covers the Vulcan Centaur's first mission, military space automation insights, and the retirement reflections of a Space Force leader.
Launch Date
September 13, 2012
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC3E
Launch Vehicle
Atlas V 401
NORAD ID
38762
International Designator
2012-048E
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 22:50:19 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
64.66°
Right Ascension
126.30°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
167.23°
Period
94.61 min
Mean Motion
15.22 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Name
CXBN
Alternative Name
CXBN
Type
Status
Owner
MSUKY
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
1 38762U 12048E 26184.95161282 .00009843 00000-0 39452-3 0 9996
2 38762 64.6603 126.2958 0087054 167.2300 193.1062 15.22039448120833
Source: Celestrak
Length
0.2
Diameter
0.1
Span
0.5
Dry Mass
3
Launch Mass
3
Shape
Box+4 pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
Unbridled Spirit
Purpose
Astronomy, X-ray
Mission
Astronomy, X-ray
Manufacturer
MSUKY
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Cubesat 2U
Configuration
CubeSat (2U)
Motor
None
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
4 deployable solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Today's brief covers the Vulcan Centaur's first mission, military space automation insights, and the retirement reflections of a Space Force leader.
SpaceX continues to expand its Starlink network with multiple launches and gains momentum in international markets, while revisiting launch tariffs and new regulations.
ESA's Proba-3 spacecraft lost contact last month, grounding the dual-satellite solar eclipse mission. Formation flying between both craft is critical for coronagraph science.
Today's brief highlights the maiden flight of Blue Origin's Blue Ring spacecraft with a new AI-driven space sensor, debates on asteroid defense responsibilities, and updates on the U.S. Space Force's missile shield leadership.
SpaceX successfully launched 29 new Starlink satellites today, further expanding its satellite internet constellation amidst growing competition in the space broadband market.
NRO awards three commercial satellite contracts, expanding scope to dynamic military target tracking. Former NASA chief Bridenstine joins Quantum Space for cislunar operations.
How a controversial telescope network has become a significant player in tracking the increasingly crowded orbital environment, raising important questions about transparency, dual-use technologies, and the future of space situational awareness.
SpaceX continues to break records with its Falcon 9 missions while facing public scrutiny from Elon Musk regarding NASA's leadership. Meanwhile, satellite spectrum battles heat up as Lynk Global and Omnispace prepare to merge.