Space Brief 19 May 2025
Today's space brief covers new ultraviolet data from the Europa Clipper, challenges in managing space debris, quantum advances in satellite technology, as well as a failed Indian satellite launch and more.
NORAD ID
43478
International Designator
2018-047C
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 22:43:45 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
86.45°
Right Ascension
81.46°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
79.54°
Period
99.77 min
Mean Motion
14.43 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Name
IRIDIUM 161
Alternative Name
Iridium Next SV161
Type
Status
Owner
IRIDS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
1 43478U 18047C 26184.94705641 .00000365 00000-0 10237-3 0 9993
2 43478 86.4474 81.4635 0002416 79.5382 280.6091 14.43281776427557
Source: Celestrak
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
Payload
Iridium Next SV161
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
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