Space Brief 1 Jan 2025
Today's brief covers a record-breaking Starlink launch, FCC's allocation of additional spectrum for launches, and more. Plus, explore the intricacies of satellite Rassvet-2 No. 1 in our Satellite Spotlight.
BHUTAN-1 (43591)
COSPAR: 1998-067PF | Alt Name: Bhutan-1
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 20, 1998
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
43591
International Designator
1998-067PF
Decay Date
11/18/2020
Basic Satellite Info
Name
BHUTAN-1
Alternative Name
Bhutan-1
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
BTDITT
Country
Bhutan
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
BHUTAN-1, also known as Bhutan-1, is a CubeSat (1U) satellite launched on November 20, 1998, from the TYMSC launch site using Falcon 9 as the launch vehicle. The spacecraft was manufactured by KYUT and has dimensions of 0.1 meters in length, diameter, and span, with a dry mass of 1 kg. It is owned by BTDITT and equipped with cameras for technology and educational purposes. The satellite's power system consists of solar cells and batteries. BHUTAN-1 was stabilized on August 10, 2018, and has an estimated lifetime of about six months. Its mission focuses on technology and education.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.1
Diameter
0.1
Span
0.1
Dry Mass
1
Launch Mass
1
Shape
Box
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
BIRD-BTN
Purpose
Technology, education
Mission
Technology, education
Manufacturer
KYUT
Life Expectancy
~ 6 months
Bus
Cubesat 1U
Configuration
CubeSat (1U)
Motor
None
Equipment
Cameras
Power System
Solar cells, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
The Day Japan Joined the Geostationary Club
Forty-eight years ago, a pioneering satellite named Kiku 2 propelled Japan into the exclusive group of nations capable of operating satellites in geostationary orbit
SpaceX Stock Eyed for US Kids' Savings Accounts | KeepTrack X Report
Trump reportedly asked Musk to donate SpaceX equity to seed children's savings accounts as Starlink tops 10,706 working satellites in orbit.
SpaceX Launches 13th NRO Proliferated Architecture Mission | KeepTrack Space Brief
Falcon 9 successfully deployed NROL-72 for National Reconnaissance Office's 13th proliferated architecture mission. Low-Earth orbit intelligence constellation expanding since 2021.
Space Brief 28 Aug 2024
A Falcon 9 booster fails to land, increasing GPS and PNT significance for national security, and NASA's SLS mobile launch platform costs soar.
Crew-11 Emergency Evacuation Raises Space Rescue Alarm | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX Crew-11 made an emergency return from the ISS on Jan. 15 after a medical crisis, spotlighting gaps in space rescue infrastructure.
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.
Starlink Constellation Size Nears 10,000, X Report 16 Mar 2026
Starlink constellation size in March 2026: 9,996 satellites in orbit and 9,986 working from 11,504 launched, as SpaceX deorbits legacy V1.0 hardware.