Space Brief 21 Nov 2025
Today's brief covers the Space Force's strategic roadmap, a groundbreaking DARPA mission in Very Low Earth Orbit, and enhanced cyber defenses due to AI-driven threats.
SOLAR ORBITER (45167)
COSPAR: 2020-010A | Alt Name: Solar Orbiter
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 10, 2020
Launch Site
Launch Pad
SLC41
Launch Vehicle
Atlas V 411
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
45167
International Designator
2020-010A
Decay Date
Unknown
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SOLAR ORBITER
Alternative Name
Solar Orbiter
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
ESA
Country
European Space Agency
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The Solar Orbiter (NORAD_CAT_ID: 45167, OBJECT_ID: 2020-010A) is a solar observation satellite launched by ESA on February 10, 2020, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using an Atlas V 411 launch vehicle. It measures 3.1 meters in length and has a diameter of 2.4 meters with a span of 18 meters due to its solar arrays. The spacecraft's dry mass is 1600 kg, while the launch mass was 1800 kg. It carries scientific equipment including EPD, Mag, RPW, SWA, EUI, METIS, PHI, SoloHi, SPICE, and STIX instruments for studying the Sun. Solar Orbiter is powered by two deployable solar arrays and batteries and has a mission lifetime of 7 years, which includes its cruise phase. The satellite was manufactured by ADSUK and designed to provide unprecedented close-up observations of the Sun's polar regions.
Physical Characteristics
Length
3.1
Diameter
2.4
Span
18
Dry Mass
1600
Launch Mass
1800
Shape
Box + 2 pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
SOLO
Purpose
Solar orbiter
Mission
Solar orbiter
Manufacturer
ADSUK
Life Expectancy
7 years (including cruise phase)
Bus
Solo
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
?
Equipment
EPD, Mag, RPW, SWA, EUI, METIS, PHI, SoloHi, SPICE, STIX
Power System
2 deployable solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 26 Aug 2024
Today's briefing covers an exciting new satellite launch, a significant reentry, and unexpected space debris from a fragmentation event.
Space Brief 17 Dec 2025
Today's stories cover Rocket Lab's innovative DiskSat launch, Digantara's expansion to missile defense, and DARPA's satellite surveillance network expansion, among other updates in military and satellite technology.
Starlink Airs First Super Bowl Ad, Artemis II Nears Launch | KeepTrack Space Brief
SpaceX debuts Starlink's first-ever Super Bowl ad to millions of viewers. Artemis II reaches Kennedy launch pad for first crewed lunar flyby since Apollo era.
Space Brief 4 Dec 2024
Today's brief covers significant advancements in materials technology for space applications, a U.S. Navy contract for rocket production facilities, and NATO's upcoming classified cloud system.
€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.
The Evolution of Space Stations
A brief journey through the evolution of space stations, delving into Russia's Mir, the International Space Station, China's Tiangong, and envisioning the future of orbital habitats.
The 10 Most Iconic Satellites Still in Space
Let's look at the legacy of space exploration with the 10 most iconic satellites still orbiting Earth.