Space Brief 7 Jun 2025
Today's brief covers the latest in satellite launches, military implications in space funding, and notable reentry delays.
NODES 1 (41478)
COSPAR: 1998-067HY | Alt Name: Nodes 2
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 20, 1998
Launch Site
Launch Pad
SLC41
Launch Vehicle
Atlas V 401
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
41478
International Designator
1998-067HY
Decay Date
9/23/2017
Basic Satellite Info
Name
NODES 1
Alternative Name
Nodes 2
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
ARC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
NODES 1 (also known as Nodes 2) is a CubeSat 1.5U satellite launched on November 20, 1998, from the TYSMC SLC41 launch site using an Atlas V 401 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.15 meters in length and span with a diameter of 0.1 meters, weighing 2 kilograms both at dry mass and launch mass. The satellite is owned by ARC (Ames Research Center) and was manufactured by ARC/PUMPK for technology demonstration purposes. Its shape is box-like with an RCS of 0.0621 and it uses solar cells and batteries for power supply. The mission's lifetime was set at 14 days, while the satellite maintained a stable orbit until May 16, 2016.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.15
Diameter
0.1
Span
0.15
Dry Mass
2
Launch Mass
2
Shape
Box
Radar Cross Section
0.0621
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Nodes 2
Purpose
Technology
Mission
Technology
Manufacturer
ARC/PUMPK
Life Expectancy
14 days (mission), 6 month orbital life
Bus
Cubesat 1.5U
Configuration
CubeSat (1.5 U)
Motor
None
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Solar cells, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
X Report 17 Dec 2024
SpaceX executes a rapid response GPS mission for the U.S. Space Force, Starlink extends its reach with a beta smartphone connectivity service by T-Mobile, and Starship approaches its seventh launch with readiness milestones.
Space Brief 4 Feb 2025
Today's brief covers the expansion of the U.S. missile defense shield, a new contract for Viasat from the U.S. Space Force, and the Missile Defense Agency's call for innovative Iron Dome concepts.
Space Brief 1 Apr 2025
Today's brief covers the U.S. Space Force's orbital carrier initiative, ULA Vulcan's approval for military launches, Rocket Lab's new contract with the Space Force, integrated data layers for military command, and advances in tactical surveillance.
Artemis 2 Crew First Lunar-Bound Humans Since 1972 | KeepTrack Space Brief
Artemis 2 Orion carries first humans toward the Moon in 53 years. Spacecraft in good health after trans-lunar injection; lunar flyby observation plan due April 6.
Space Force Activates Cyber Squadrons at Launch Sites | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force stands up 2 cyber defense squadrons at Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg to protect launch operations against adversary interference targeting pad networks and telemetry systems.
FAA Grounds Starship V3 for Mishap Probe, X Report 29 May 2026
FAA grounds Starship pending a mishap investigation into the V3 debut flight; return to flight hinges on FAA sign-off. Starlink 10-53 added 29 sats.
Second Starlink Debris Anomaly in 3 Months | KeepTrack X Report
A second Starlink satellite malfunction in just over three months has generated on-orbit debris, raising fresh questions about SpaceX's 10,151-strong working constellation.