Space Brief 22 Jan 2025
Today's highlights include defense sector investments, major military contracts with Rocket Lab, and a glimpse at new American Innovation dollar coins featuring space achievements.
SKYSAT-C6 (42992)
COSPAR: 2017-068F | Alt Name: SkySat C6
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
42992
International Designator
2017-068F
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 20:15:21 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
97.46°
Right Ascension
322.62°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
106.49°
Period
93.86 min
Mean Motion
15.34 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SKYSAT-C6
Alternative Name
SkySat C6
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
PLABST
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 42992U 17068F 26184.84399326 .00010795 00000-0 32772-3 0 9999
2 42992 97.4595 322.6158 0005208 106.4870 253.6946 15.34255298484875
Source: Celestrak
Summary
SKYSAT-C6, also known as SkySat C6, is an Earth Observation satellite operated by Planet Labs (PLABST). Launched on October 31, 2017, from AFWTR Launch Site using the Minotaur-C 3210 launch vehicle, this spacecraft has a configuration of SSTL-50 and belongs to the SkySat-Gen2 series. The satellite measures 1.2 meters in length with a diameter and span both at 0.5 meters, weighing 110 kilograms at launch and dry mass. It is equipped with solar cells and batteries for power generation and has HPGP thrusters for propulsion. SKYSAT-C6 was manufactured by SSLMAX and is designed to operate for approximately 6 years in a box-shaped configuration.
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 C6
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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