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SKYSAT-C8 (42990)
COSPAR: 2017-068D | Alt Name: SkySat C8
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 31, 2017
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
576E
Launch Vehicle
Minotaur-C 3210
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
42990
International Designator
2017-068D
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:58:34 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
97.45°
Right Ascension
322.01°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
96.56°
Period
93.67 min
Mean Motion
15.37 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SKYSAT-C8
Alternative Name
SkySat C8
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
PLABST
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 42990U 17068D 26185.12401158 .00013395 00000-0 36846-3 0 9991
2 42990 97.4548 322.0056 0001241 96.5568 263.5818 15.37311661484911
Source: Celestrak
Summary
SKYSAT-C8, also known as SkySat C8, is an Earth Observation satellite belonging to Planet Labs (PLABST). Launched on October 31, 2017, from Vandenberg AFB's launch pad 576E using a Minotaur-C 3210 launch vehicle, this satellite follows the SSTL-50 configuration and is part of the SkySat-Gen2 series. With dimensions of 1.2 meters in length, 0.5 meters in diameter, and 0.5 meters in span, SKYSAT-C8 has a dry mass and launch mass of 110 kilograms each. The satellite's power supply relies on solar cells and batteries, while its propulsion system consists of unspecified numbers of 1 N HPGP thrusters. Manufactured by SSLMAX, SKYSAT-C8 is designed for a six-year operational lifetime in orbit.
Physical Characteristics
Length
1.2
Diameter
0.5
Span
0.5
Dry Mass
110
Launch Mass
110
Shape
Box
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
SkySat C8
Purpose
Earth Observation
Mission
Earth Observation
Manufacturer
SSLMAX
Life Expectancy
6 years
Bus
SkySat-Gen2
Configuration
SSTL-50
Motor
? x 1 N HPGP thrusters
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Solar cells, 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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