X Report 9 Sep 2025
Important updates include SpaceX's $19 billion spectrum deal with EchoStar, a successful super heavy booster test, and recent setbacks in launching due to poor weather.
Launch Date
November 20, 1998
Launch Site
Launch Pad
SLC41
Launch Vehicle
Atlas V 401
NORAD ID
42729
International Designator
1998-067MJ
Decay Date
2/6/2019
Name
AALTO-2
Alternative Name
Aalto-2
Type
Status
Owner
AALTO
Country
Finland
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Length
0.2
Diameter
0.1
Span
0.2
Dry Mass
2
Launch Mass
2
Shape
Box
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
QB50-FI01
Purpose
Technology, thermospheric research
Mission
Technology, thermospheric research
Manufacturer
AALTO
Life Expectancy
2 years
Bus
Cubesat 2U
Configuration
CubeSat (3U)
Motor
None
Equipment
mNLP
Power System
Solar cells, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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