Space Brief 30 Sep 2025
Today's briefing covers China's rapid satellite launch activities, new Pentagon contracts for rocket motors, the Dream Chaser spaceplane's upcoming flight, and more.
PAKTES 1A (43529)
COSPAR: 2018-056A | Alt Name: PRSS-1
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 9, 2018
Launch Site
JSC
Launch Pad
LC603
Launch Vehicle
Chang Zheng 2C
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
43529
International Designator
2018-056A
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 07:00:27 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
98.13°
Right Ascension
342.51°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
53.12°
Period
96.05 min
Mean Motion
14.99 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
PAKTES 1A
Alternative Name
PRSS-1
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SUPA
Country
Pakistan
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 43529U 18056A 26185.29198649 .00002042 00000-0 17248-3 0 9996
2 43529 98.1289 342.5075 0020539 53.1163 307.1938 14.99166981434484
Source: Celestrak
Summary
PAKTES 1A, also known as PRSS-1, is an Earth observation satellite launched on July 9, 2018, from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center using the Chang Zheng 2C launch vehicle. The spacecraft, which is owned by SUPA (Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission), measures 2.9 meters in length with a diameter of 2.5 meters and spans 8.6 meters when its solar panels are deployed. It has a dry mass of 800 kg and was manufactured using the CAST-2000 bus by DFHZ (China Academy of Space Technology). PAKTES 1A is powered by solar cells and batteries, and its shape consists of a box structure with two deployable panels. The satellite's primary mission is Earth observation, serving as part of Pakistan's efforts in space technology and research.
Physical Characteristics
Length
2.9
Diameter
2.5
Span
8.6
Dry Mass
800
Launch Mass
800
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
PRSS-1
Purpose
Earth observation
Mission
Earth observation
Manufacturer
DFHZ
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
CAST-2000
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
€140M ESA Launcher Funding at Risk of Lapse | KeepTrack Space Brief
Nearly €140 million in ESA launcher development funds faces forfeiture with no replacement mechanism. Europe's independent launch capacity under pressure as Arianespace struggles.
X Report 21 May 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 23 Starlink satellites using a new Falcon 9 rocket, marking a significant milestone for the company as it expands its satellite internet constellation.
X Report 23 Nov 2025
SpaceX continues its robust launch cadence with new Starlink deployments and faces challenges in Starship development following the recent damage to its prototype booster.
Demystifying the USSPACECOM Two-Line Element Set Format
Discover the history and significance of Two-Line Element Sets (TLEs) in satellite tracking. Dive into their components, applications, and how they are evolving to meet future space challenges.
The Rise of Super Heavy-Lift Rockets
Super heavy-lift rockets are the most powerful launch vehicles ever built. They can send humans and cargo to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. But what are they, and why are they so important?
X Report 12 Aug 2025
SpaceX ramps up Raptor 3 testing and the launch landscape heats up with Vulcan and Ariane set to lift off before Starlink missions.
X Report 25 Aug 2025
SpaceX faced delays in launching its 10th Starship test flight while successfully deploying a Cargo Dragon to resupply the ISS, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration with NASA.