Space Brief 25 Mar 2025
Today's brief covers SpaceX's launch of a secret US spy satellite, national security satellite launches, and Japan's missile ambitions. Also highlighted are Estonia's AI defense upgrades and autonomous airpower in Australia.
Launch Date
November 30, 2018
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC133/3
Launch Vehicle
Rokot
NORAD ID
43751
International Designator
2018-097A
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 06:44:53 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
82.51°
Right Ascension
211.67°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
3.08°
Period
115.86 min
Mean Motion
12.43 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Name
COSMOS 2530
Alternative Name
Kosmos-2530
Type
Status
Owner
VVKOV
Country
Russia
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
1 43751U 18097A 26185.28117100 -.00000029 00000-0 -27944-3 0 9999
2 43751 82.5118 211.6719 0019458 3.0799 357.0397 12.42881500344410
Source: Celestrak
Length
1.6
Diameter
0.8
Span
7
Dry Mass
280
Launch Mass
280
Shape
Cyl + Ant
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
Rodnik-S No. 26L
Purpose
Military Communication
Mission
Military Communication
Manufacturer
RESH
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Strela-3M
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Solar cells, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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Today's brief covers SpaceX's launch of a secret US spy satellite, national security satellite launches, and Japan's missile ambitions. Also highlighted are Estonia's AI defense upgrades and autonomous airpower in Australia.
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