Space Brief 21 Apr 2025
Today's briefing highlights SpaceX's recent launch of spy satellites, a US Space Force contract for deep space tracking, and advancements in quantum communications in space.
Launch Date
January 21, 2015
Launch Site
Launch Pad
SLC41
Launch Vehicle
Atlas V 551
NORAD ID
40374
International Designator
2015-002A
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 22:24:58 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
4.55°
Right Ascension
43.59°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
177.62°
Period
1436.12 min
Mean Motion
1.00 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Name
MUOS-3
Alternative Name
MUOS 3
Type
Status
Owner
SPAWSD
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
1 40374U 15002A 26184.93400881 -.00000119 00000-0 00000-0 0 9992
2 40374 4.5524 43.5916 0052841 177.6171 21.4950 1.00270427 41759
Source: Celestrak
Length
7.9
Diameter
4.3
Span
28.7
Dry Mass
3800
Launch Mass
6800
Shape
Box + 2 Pan + Dish
Radar Cross Section
20.8608
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
MUOS SV 4
Purpose
Comsat
Mission
Comsat
Manufacturer
LMSS/LMCSS
Life Expectancy
15 years
Bus
A2100
Configuration
A2100M
Motor
BT-4
Equipment
?
Power System
2 deployable solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Today's briefing highlights SpaceX's recent launch of spy satellites, a US Space Force contract for deep space tracking, and advancements in quantum communications in space.
SpaceX successfully launched 23 Starlink satellites while facing delays in launching the Axiom Space mission due to a propellant leak. Additionally, new US broadband rules favor Starlink's expansion into rural markets.
FCC clears Reflect Orbital's first satellite to bounce sunlight into nighttime zones, despite pushback from astronomers concerned about orbital streaking and wildlife impacts.
Gwynne Shotwell confirms Starlink V2 launches on Starship in 2027. Ship 39 preps Starship Flight 12; Falcon 9 lofts its 600th Starlink of 2026.
Today's briefing covers a new naming system by Space Force, China's space advances, drone defense at Cape Canaveral, and more military updates impacting space operations.
Key developments in the space sector include new partnerships for satellite surveillance, strategic shifts from the Defense Department impacting weather forecasting, and the Space Force's focus on agile satellite technologies.
SpaceX makes strides on Starship launch pad, upcoming Starlink infusions from California and Florida, and regulatory challenges loom with FCC and C-band spectrum.
Today's Space Brief covers Rocket Lab's IoT satellite launch, SpaceX's European Galileo satellites, FAA's fine on SpaceX, Polaris Dawn mission achievements, and more.