Space Brief 24 May 2025
Today's key space events include a milestone Falcon booster landing, advances in US military satellite operations, and a new missile defense initiative.
Launch Date
September 13, 2012
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC3E
Launch Vehicle
Atlas V 401
NORAD ID
38766
International Designator
2012-048J
Decay Date
8/16/2025
Name
SMDC ONE 1.1
Alternative Name
SMDC-ONE 2.1 (Able)
Type
Status
Owner
SMDC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Length
0.3
Diameter
0.1
Span
0.3
Dry Mass
4
Launch Mass
4
Shape
Box
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
SMDC-ONE 2.1
Purpose
Communications
Mission
Communications
Manufacturer
DUCOMM
Life Expectancy
1 year
Bus
Cubesat 3U
Configuration
CubeSat (3U)
Motor
None
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Solar cells, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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