Space Brief 23 Feb 2025
SpaceX launches Starlink satellites from both coasts, while first 3D atmospheric map of an exoplanet reveals extreme weather patterns, and Starlink missions push total count over 8,000 satellites.
Launch Date
April 8, 1970
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC2E
Launch Vehicle
Thorad SLV-2G Agena D
NORAD ID
04657
International Designator
1970-025AR
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 03:22:44 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
100.10°
Right Ascension
64.39°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
20.22°
Period
104.96 min
Mean Motion
13.72 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Name
THORAD AGENA D DEB
Alternative Name
deb Agena D
Type
Status
Owner
GSFC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
1 04657U 70025AR 26185.14079578 .00000392 00000-0 48596-3 0 9998
2 04657 100.1044 64.3926 0017846 20.2211 133.2118 13.71994056797049
Source: Celestrak
Length
0
Diameter
0
Span
0
Dry Mass
0
Launch Mass
0
Shape
N/A
Radar Cross Section
1.059
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
Unknown
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
Unknown
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Unknown
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
SpaceX launches Starlink satellites from both coasts, while first 3D atmospheric map of an exoplanet reveals extreme weather patterns, and Starlink missions push total count over 8,000 satellites.
Today's briefing covers the Long March 12A's first launch, a major advance in space radio communication, and highlights from key military developments impacting space operations.
Thirty-nine years ago, the loss of Space Shuttle Challenger and its seven crew members forever transformed our approach to spaceflight safety and risk management
Today's highlights include SpaceX's record-breaking Falcon 9 launches, Dream Chaser's testing success, and Blue Origin's latest New Glenn achievements.
The FAA has approved an increase in Falcon 9 launches while reviewing the environmental impacts of Starship launches in Florida, amidst growing community concerns on noise and other issues related to the Starship program.
SpaceX conducts another Starship test flight, with high-profile audience; SEOPS secures Falcon 9 for rideshare mission; Ontario partners with Starlink for rural connectivity.
Over 27,000 high-speed pieces of space junk now threaten vital satellites, requiring sophisticated tracking and urgent innovation of orbital debris removal methods like harpoons and nets.
Today's highlights include new space-based interceptor developments, a UK space tracking partnership, a strategic satellite imagery alliance, and more.