PROMETHEUS 1-8 (39401)

COSPAR: 2013-064X | Alt Name: Prometheus 1-8
DECAYED

Image
PROMETHEUS 1-8 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

November 20, 2013

Launch Site

WLPIS

Launch Pad

Pad 0B

Launch Vehicle

Minotaur I

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

39401

International Designator

2013-064X

Decay Date

12/1/2015

Basic Satellite Info

Name

PROMETHEUS 1-8

Alternative Name

Prometheus 1-8

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

SOCOM/LANL

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
The PROMETHEUS 1-8 satellite, also known as Prometheus 1-8, is a CubeSat (1.5U) technology demonstration satellite launched on November 20, 2013, from the Wallops Flight Facility Launch Pad 0B using a Minotaur I launch vehicle. It was manufactured by LANL for SOCOM/LANL and has dimensions of 0.1 meters in length, diameter, and span. The spacecraft weighs 1 kilogram at both dry mass and launch mass, with power provided by four deployable fixed solar arrays and batteries. Its shape is a box, and its radar cross-section (RCS) is 0.169 square meters. The satellite was designed to operate for a period of 3-5 years in orbit.
Physical Characteristics

Length

0.1

Diameter

0.1

Span

0.1

Dry Mass

1

Launch Mass

1

Shape

Box

Radar Cross Section

0.169

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Prometheus 8

Purpose

Technology

Mission

Technology

Manufacturer

LANL

Life Expectancy

3-5 years

Bus

Cubesat 1.5U

Configuration

CubeSat (1.5U)

Motor

None

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

4 deployable fixed solar arrays, batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

Space Brief 21 Aug 2025

Space Brief 21 Aug 2025

Today's brief covers the launch of the X-37B, cutting-edge quantum navigation systems, and the future of space-based military technology. Discover the role of SpaceX and the advancements in inertial navigation.

X Report 3 Jan 2025

X Report 3 Jan 2025

SpaceX's pivotal role in setting a new global launch record and the upcoming launch of the Thuraya 4-NGS satellite are spotlighted today.

STS-51B | Three-Tenths of a Second from Disaster

STS-51B | Three-Tenths of a Second from Disaster

Forty years ago today, Challenger lifted off LC-39A on a science mission that nobody outside Morton-Thiokol would call dangerous. Years later, after the orbiter and seven other astronauts were gone, investigators looked at the recovered boosters from STS-51B and realized the crew had come within a fraction of a second of dying first. This is the story of the launch that should have been a warning.

Space Brief 23 Nov 2025

Space Brief 23 Nov 2025

Today's highlights include a space debris incident involving China's spacecraft, development advancements for military space missions, and a notable setback for SpaceX's Starship booster.

X Report 18 Jul 2025

X Report 18 Jul 2025

Elon Musk provided updates on the anticipated Starship Flight 10, along with insights on SpaceX's progress at Cape Canaveral. Key developments include target timelines for upcoming launches and ongoing efforts in Starship's development.

X Report 24 Dec 2024

X Report 24 Dec 2024

SpaceX advances with Bandwagon-2 mission, gains approval for Starship Flight 7, and continues Starlink expansion.

Space Brief 27 Dec 2025

Space Brief 27 Dec 2025

Today's Space Brief covers a notable satellite deployment in LEO, a leadership shift in Blue Origin's defense wing, and ongoing recovery efforts for NASA's MAVEN orbiter.

Space Brief 21 Mar 2025

Space Brief 21 Mar 2025

Today's highlights include SpaceX's new rocket-reuse record with a spy satellite launch, Space Force's funding strategies, and a European defense summit addressing security concerns.