Space Brief 23 Feb 2025
SpaceX launches Starlink satellites from both coasts, while first 3D atmospheric map of an exoplanet reveals extreme weather patterns, and Starlink missions push total count over 8,000 satellites.
IRIDIUM 128 (42811)
COSPAR: 2017-039J | Alt Name: Iridium Next SV128
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
42811
International Designator
2017-039J
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 05:35:02 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
86.40°
Right Ascension
18.02°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
91.62°
Period
100.40 min
Mean Motion
14.34 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
IRIDIUM 128
Alternative Name
Iridium Next SV128
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
IRIDS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 42811U 17039J 26185.23266945 .00000342 00000-0 11489-3 0 9990
2 42811 86.3961 18.0216 0002179 91.6154 268.5292 14.34218847472429
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite IRIDIUM 128 (also known as Iridium Next SV128) is a communication and traffic monitoring spacecraft launched on June 25, 2017, from the AFWTR launch site using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has a BUS type of EliteBus with a configuration of ELiTeBus-1000, measuring 3.1 meters in length, 1.5 meters in diameter, and spans 9.4 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 700 kg, with a launch mass of 860 kg. It carries an L-band payload, Ka-band cross-links and downlinks, as well as ADS-B payload and AIS-receiver equipment. Power is supplied by two deployable solar arrays and batteries. Its design lifetime is 10 years, with plans for a 15-year operation. The satellite was manufactured by OATKGA and owned by IRIDS. It has a half hex prism shape with two panels and operates within the United States.
Physical Characteristics
Length
3.1
Diameter
1.5
Span
9.4
Dry Mass
700
Launch Mass
860
Shape
Half Hex Prism+2 pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Iridium Next SV128
Purpose
Communication, traffic monitoring
Mission
Communication, traffic monitoring
Manufacturer
OATKGA
Life Expectancy
10 years (design), 15 years (planned)
Bus
EliteBus
Configuration
ELiTeBus-1000
Motor
?
Equipment
L-band payload, Ka-band cross-links, Ka-band downlinks, ADS-B payload, AIS-receiver (on 58 satellites)
Power System
2 deployable solar arrays, batteries
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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