Space Brief 19 Dec 2025
Today's brief highlights significant developments in space defense, innovation fund challenges, and international defense agreements impacting satellite utilities.
RCM-3 (44323)
COSPAR: 2019-033B | Alt Name: RCM 2
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
44323
International Designator
2019-033B
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 07:39:41 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
97.76°
Right Ascension
192.62°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
89.26°
Period
96.48 min
Mean Motion
14.93 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
RCM-3
Alternative Name
RCM 2
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
CSA
Country
Canada
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 44323U 19033B 26185.31923189 -.00000095 00000-0 -38583-5 0 9998
2 44323 97.7599 192.6175 0001479 89.2638 270.8751 14.92586374384657
Source: Celestrak
Summary
RCM-3 (also known as RCM 2) is a satellite operated by CSA, equipped with a C-Band SAR and AIS-receiver for Earth observation. It was launched on June 12, 2019, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 5 meters in length, has a diameter of 1.4 meters, and spans 7 meters with its solar panels extended. Its dry mass is 1400 kg, and it was launched at a total mass of 1450 kg. RCM-3 is based on the MAC-200 SmallSAT bus manufactured by Balm/Maxar and has a mission lifetime of 7 years. Power is provided by fixed solar arrays and batteries. The satellite's shape consists of a box with two panels extended.
Physical Characteristics
Length
5
Diameter
1.4
Span
7
Dry Mass
1400
Launch Mass
1450
Shape
Box+2 panels
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Radarsat Constell. Mission
Purpose
Earth observation (Radar)
Mission
Earth observation (Radar)
Manufacturer
BALM/MAXAR
Life Expectancy
7 years
Bus
MAC-200
Configuration
SmallSAT bus
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
C-Band SAR, AIS-receiver
Power System
Fixed solar array, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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