Space Brief 4 Sep 2024
Today's brief highlights SpaceX's Starlink launch, the sale of Telesat's remote communications services, advancements in hypersonic missile tracking, and more on satellite imagery from the NGA.
PICSAT (43132)
COSPAR: 2018-004X | Alt Name: PICSAT
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 12, 2018
Launch Site
SRILR
Launch Pad
FLP
Launch Vehicle
PSLV-XL
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
43132
International Designator
2018-004X
Decay Date
10/1/2023
Basic Satellite Info
Name
PICSAT
Alternative Name
PICSAT
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
OPM
Country
France
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
PICSAT is a CubeSat (3U) satellite, launched on January 12, 2018, from SRILR launch site using the PSLV-XL launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and diameter, with a span of 0.3 meters. The satellite has a dry mass and launch mass of 5 kilograms each. PICSAT is equipped with four deployable fixed solar arrays and batteries for power supply. Its mission is focused on Earth observation and technology demonstration. The spacecraft was manufactured by OPM and operated by the same entity. No additional equipment or major events are listed in the provided data.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.3
Diameter
0.1
Span
0.3
Dry Mass
5
Launch Mass
5
Shape
Box
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
PICSAT
Purpose
Earth observation, technology
Mission
Earth observation, technology
Manufacturer
OPM
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Cubesat 3U
Configuration
CubeSat (3U)
Motor
None
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
4 deployable fixed solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Starlink Satellites Dominate Earth's Orbit
SpaceX's Starlink constellation has grown at an astonishing rate, now accounting for over 20% of all trackable objects in orbit. With plans for tens of thousands more, Starlink is on the cusp of forever changing the landscape of Earth's near-space environment.
Space Brief 18 Dec 2025
Today's updates cover Rocket Lab's launch for the U.S. Space Force, Digantara's major funding round, and discussions on national security in space.
X Report 6 Sep 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites, marking a significant milestone with its 500th Falcon rocket landing. Meanwhile, the Starship program reflects on its journey through ten flights, and competition with Amazon's Project Kuiper heats up as JetBlue opts for their in-flight Wi-Fi service.
Space Brief 30 Jul 2025
Today's highlights include Space Force's new satcom design contracts, advances in AI training tools, Pentagon drone policy shifts, and the first Eris launch's failure.
Space Brief 18 Apr 2025
Today's highlights include a Minotaur IV launch of U.S. spy satellites, Rocket Lab's new defense contracts, and the unveiling of Space Force's warfighting framework. Plus, the Satellite Spotlight dives into METEOR 3-1.
Space Brief 26 Sep 2025
Today's Space Brief highlights major developments including NASA's Dream Chaser contract modifications, Germany's significant investment in space capabilities, and advancements in hybrid satcom technology.
The Day a Farm Boy Found a New World
Ninety-five years ago, a 24-year-old astronomer with no college degree made one of astronomy's most remarkable discoveries, finding a new planet that would challenge our understanding of the solar system