Space Brief 9 May 2025
Today's briefing covers new satellite projects, military tech advancements, and insights into missile defense strategies. Discover partnerships in satellite design and exciting developments in space military technology.
OPS 6909 (VELA 9) (03954)
COSPAR: 1969-046D | Alt Name: Vela V-A
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 23, 1969
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC41
Launch Vehicle
Titan IIIC
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
03954
International Designator
1969-046D
Epoch
Wed, 14 Jan 2026 06:44:28 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
89.13°
Right Ascension
29.92°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
89.62°
Period
6692.57 min
Mean Motion
0.22 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
OPS 6909 (VELA 9)
Alternative Name
Vela V-A
Type
Payload
Status
Unknown
Owner
SAMSO
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 03954U 69046D 26013.28088617 .00000046 00000-0 00000-0 0 9998
2 03954 89.1343 29.9242 7044937 89.6246 1.2250 0.21516406 12679
Source: Celestrak
Summary
Apologies, there is no summary for this satellite yet. I am working to generate these for every object in the catalog, but it is going to take time.
Physical Characteristics
Length
1.3
Diameter
1.3
Span
1.3
Dry Mass
250
Launch Mass
250
Shape
Poly
Radar Cross Section
0.7568
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Vela 5A
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
TRW
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Vela
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
BE-3A7
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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