Space Brief 10 May 2025
Today's brief covers Rocket Lab's Neutron being selected for military tests, Space Force's strategic updates, Germany's SAR satellite plans, and a significant NASA nomination.
NORAD ID
43476
International Designator
2018-047A
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 06:28:00 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
88.99°
Right Ascension
195.60°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
54.50°
Period
93.60 min
Mean Motion
15.38 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Name
GRACE-FO 1
Alternative Name
GRACE-FO 1
Type
Status
Owner
JPL/GFZ
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
1 43476U 18047A 26185.26945343 .00004782 00000-0 12526-3 0 9992
2 43476 88.9913 195.6041 0013037 54.4971 305.7499 15.38380646452422
Source: Celestrak
Length
3.1
Diameter
0.7
Span
3.1
Dry Mass
500
Launch Mass
600
Shape
Half Hex Prism
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
GRACE-FO 1
Purpose
Earth Science, Gravity field mapping
Mission
Earth Science, Gravity field mapping
Manufacturer
ADSB
Life Expectancy
5 years
Bus
FlexBus
Configuration
Flexbus
Motor
N2 AOCS
Equipment
GPS receiver, microwave ranging system, laser ranging system
Power System
Solar cells, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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