Space Brief 21 Oct 2025
Today's brief covers the latest in satellite technology contracts, China's rocket launch ambitions, and new launch authorizations paving the way for space exploration advancements.
Launch Date
November 20, 1998
Launch Site
Launch Pad
Y2
Launch Vehicle
H-IIB
NORAD ID
38853
International Designator
1998-067CP
Decay Date
7/4/2013
Name
FITSAT-1 (NIWAKA)
Alternative Name
Niwaka eisei
Type
Status
Owner
FUKU
Country
Japan
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Length
0.1
Diameter
0.1
Span
0.1
Dry Mass
1
Launch Mass
1
Shape
Box
Radar Cross Section
0.0194
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
FITSAT-1
Purpose
Technology
Mission
Technology
Manufacturer
FUKU
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Cubesat 1U
Configuration
CubeSat (1U)
Motor
None
Equipment
LED communications payload
Power System
Solar cells, 2 deployable fixed solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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