Space Brief 18 Aug 2025
Today's Space Brief covers significant satellite launches by SpaceX, an automated collision avoidance system development, Rocket Lab's strategic acquisition, and the rise of corporate-named satellites in orbit.
IRIDIUM 141 (43077)
COSPAR: 2017-083H | Alt Name: Iridium Next SV141
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
43077
International Designator
2017-083H
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 21:02:51 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
86.40°
Right Ascension
315.01°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
91.96°
Period
100.40 min
Mean Motion
14.34 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
IRIDIUM 141
Alternative Name
Iridium Next SV141
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
IRIDS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 43077U 17083H 26184.87698128 .00000055 00000-0 12482-4 0 9991
2 43077 86.3979 315.0126 0002190 91.9620 268.1826 14.34217834446567
Source: Celestrak
Summary
IRIDIUM 141 (also known as Iridium Next SV141) is a communication and traffic monitoring satellite owned by IRIDS. Launched on December 23, 2017, from AFWTR SLC4E using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a dry mass of 700 kg and a launch mass of 860 kg. The satellite measures 3.1 meters in length with a diameter of 1.5 meters and a span of 9.4 meters. It is equipped with an L-band payload, Ka-band cross-links, Ka-band downlinks, ADS-B payload, and AIS-receiver technology. Its power system includes two deployable solar arrays and batteries. The design lifetime is planned for up to 15 years. Manufactured by OATKGA, the satellite's shape is described as a half hex prism with two pans.
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 SV141
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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