Space Brief 19 May 2025
Today's space brief covers new ultraviolet data from the Europa Clipper, challenges in managing space debris, quantum advances in satellite technology, as well as a failed Indian satellite launch and more.
KSM1-B (46914)
COSPAR: 2020-081K | Alt Name: KSM1-b
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 7, 2020
Launch Site
SRILR
Launch Pad
FLP
Launch Vehicle
PSLV-DL
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
46914
International Designator
2020-081K
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 19:10:51 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
36.90°
Right Ascension
326.34°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
48.04°
Period
94.44 min
Mean Motion
15.25 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
KSM1-B
Alternative Name
KSM1-b
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
KLEOS
Country
Luxembourg
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 46914U 20081K 26184.79920769 .00008444 00000-0 33648-3 0 9992
2 46914 36.9037 326.3438 0004583 48.0353 312.0786 15.24753852314722
Source: Celestrak
Summary
KSM1-B, also known as KSM1-b, is a 6U CubeSat satellite manufactured by GOMSP and owned by KLEOS. It was launched on November 7, 2020, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SRILR) using the PSLV-DL launch vehicle from Launch Pad FLP. The satellite has dimensions of 30 cm in length and span, with a diameter of 20 cm and weighs 10 kg both at launch and dry mass. Its primary mission involves RF spectrum monitoring, SIGINT (Signals Intelligence), and traffic monitoring. Power is supplied by solar cells and batteries. The satellite's shape is box-like, and its name suggests it is part of the Kleos Scouting Mission-1B payload, dedicated to enhancing intelligence gathering capabilities through space-based observation.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.3
Diameter
0.2
Span
0.3
Dry Mass
10
Launch Mass
10
Shape
Box
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Kleos Scouting Mission-1B
Purpose
RF spectrum monitoring, SIGINT, Traffic monitoring
Mission
RF spectrum monitoring, SIGINT, Traffic monitoring
Manufacturer
GOMSP
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Cubesat 6U
Configuration
CubeSat (6U)
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Solar cells, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Musk Pivots SpaceX Focus to Moon Settlement Before Mars | KeepTrack X Report
Elon Musk shifts SpaceX's priority to lunar settlement before Mars colonization. Crew-12 launch delayed by weather to Feb 12. SpaceX partners with Hexagon Purus for manufacturing.
Space Brief 1 Apr 2025
Today's brief covers the U.S. Space Force's orbital carrier initiative, ULA Vulcan's approval for military launches, Rocket Lab's new contract with the Space Force, integrated data layers for military command, and advances in tactical surveillance.
X Report 23 Nov 2024
SpaceX advances with Starship tests as Starlink continues global expansion. Key infrastructure updates from Cape Canaveral involve multiple industry players.
User-Inspired Update
A user suggestion led to the addition of new visualizations for satellites, debris, and unidentified objects across different orbits in KeepTrack.
STARLINK-4621 Faces Critical Conjunction as Eight Satellites Reenter | KeepTrack X Report
A HIGH-risk conjunction between STARLINK-4621 and the defunct SL-18 rocket body leads the July 11 safety picture, with eight Starlink satellites set to reenter through July 14.
Three Chinese Rocket Bodies Exploded, Generating Decades of LEO Debris | KeepTrack Space Brief
Three Chinese rocket bodies have exploded over four years, creating debris clouds that will linger for decades to centuries, according to LeoLabs analysis. Fragmentation events threaten commercial and military operators.
Space Brief 15 Feb 2025
Today's highlights include SpaceX's record-setting Starlink launch, Redwire's contract for USSF, and military satellite developments.