Space Brief 25 Mar 2025
Today's brief covers SpaceX's launch of a secret US spy satellite, national security satellite launches, and Japan's missile ambitions. Also highlighted are Estonia's AI defense upgrades and autonomous airpower in Australia.
SPINSAT (40314)
COSPAR: 1998-067FL | Alt Name: SpinSat
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 20, 1998
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
40314
International Designator
1998-067FL
Decay Date
3/11/2017
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SPINSAT
Alternative Name
SpinSat
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
Naval Research Laboratory
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
SPINSAT (also known as SpinSat) is a technology and research satellite launched by the US on November 20, 1998, from LC40 at TYMSC using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has a spherical shape with dimensions of 0.56 meters in length, diameter, and span, weighing 57 kilograms both at launch and dry mass. It is equipped with laser retro reflectors and an UHF store and forward AX.25 packet system for amateur radio communications. SPINSAT's mission includes atmospheric density research and technology demonstration. The satellite operates on batteries and uses 12 x ESP thruster-clusters for propulsion. Its stable date was recorded as September 24, 2014, and it has a lifetime of approximately six months. The satellite is owned and manufactured by the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL).
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.56
Diameter
0.56
Span
0.56
Dry Mass
57
Launch Mass
57
Shape
Sphere
Radar Cross Section
0.3874
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
SpinSat
Purpose
Technology, research (Atmospheric density), radio amateur communications
Mission
Technology, research (Atmospheric density), radio amateur communications
Manufacturer
Naval Research Laboratory
Life Expectancy
~6 months
Bus
Unknown
Configuration
Sphere
Motor
12 x ESP thruster-clusters
Equipment
Laser retro reflectors, UHF store and forward AX.25 packet system
Power System
Batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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