X Report 8 Oct 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites aboard a Falcon 9 rocket, marking significant advancements in their deployment and operational capabilities.
POPACS 1 (39268)
COSPAR: 2013-055D | Alt Name: POPACS 1
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
39268
International Designator
2013-055D
Decay Date
1/26/2026
Basic Satellite Info
Name
POPACS 1
Alternative Name
POPACS 1
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
POPACS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
POPACS 1 is a CubeSat (3U) form factor satellite launched on September 29, 2013, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite, also known as POPACS 1, has dimensions of 0.1 meters in length, diameter, and span, with a dry mass and launch mass of 1 kilogram each. It is owned by the POPACS organization and was manufactured by PSC for research purposes focused on atmospheric density. The satellite has no motor or power systems and has a spherical shape with a radar cross-section (RCS) of 0.0186 square meters. Its expected lifetimes are 10, 12.5, and 15 years.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.1
Diameter
0.1
Span
0.1
Dry Mass
1
Launch Mass
1
Shape
Sphere
Radar Cross Section
0.0186
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
POPACS 1
Purpose
Research (Atmospheric density)
Mission
Research (Atmospheric density)
Manufacturer
PSC
Life Expectancy
10, 12.5 and 15 years
Bus
POPACS
Configuration
CubeSat (3U) form factor
Motor
None
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
None
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 5 Dec 2025
Focusing on military satellite initiatives, defense strategies, and advancements in air and cyber capabilities
Space Brief 26 Mar 2025
Today's briefing covers the US Space Force's pivotal journeys, emerging hypersonic weaponry, and innovative drone technologies, with a special satellite update featuring Jackal X-1L-001.
Space Brief 14 Sep 2025
Today's highlights include SpaceX's 300th Starlink launch, NASA re-establishing contact with a TRACERS satellite, and budget concerns impacting the commercial remote sensing industry.
Space Domain Awareness (SDA)
The evolution from simply tracking objects in orbit to understanding the full strategic picture of who is doing what in space, and why
DROID.002 - Turion Space's Eyes on the Orbital Junkyard
A 90-kilogram spacecraft with iodine thrusters and two Australian-built cameras is quietly building the case that tracking space debris is a business worth billions - and that a four-year-old startup from Irvine can own it.
Space Brief 29 Jan 2025
Today's briefing covers the Space Force's plans for future launches, new initiatives in missile defense, and the latest on military and aerospace advancements.
X Report 26 Nov 2025
This edition highlights SpaceX's ambitious plans for Starship in light of recent developments, a busy launch week featuring multiple missions, and the latest updates on Starlink's operational status.