Space Brief 26 May 2025
Today's highlights include China's lunar collaboration with Russia, new insights from Magellan's Venus mission, and stunning 8K images of the sun.
SPACEBEE-53 (47434)
COSPAR: 2021-006X | Alt Name: SpaceBEE-53
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 24, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
47434
International Designator
2021-006X
Decay Date
4/8/2023
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SPACEBEE-53
Alternative Name
SpaceBEE-53
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
SWARM
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
SPACEBEE-53 is a CubeSat (0.25U) communication satellite manufactured by SWARM and owned by the same entity. It was launched on January 24, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite measures 0.025 meters in length with a diameter of 0.1 meters and spans up to 0.9 meters when its antennas are extended. It has a dry mass of 0.284 kilograms, which is the same as its launch mass. SPACEBEE-53's mission focuses on Machine-to-Machine (M2M) and Internet of Things (IoT) communications, powered by solar cells and batteries. The satellite features a box shape with two antennas for communication purposes.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.025
Diameter
0.1
Span
0.9
Dry Mass
0.284
Launch Mass
0.284
Shape
Box+2 ant
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
SpaceBEE 53
Purpose
Communication M2M/IoT
Mission
Communication M2M/IoT
Manufacturer
SWARM
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Cubesat 0.25U
Configuration
CubeSat (0.25U)
Motor
None
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Solar cells, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Falcon 9 Lofts 5-Ton Cygnus XL to ISS | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's Falcon 9 delivered Northrop Grumman's second Cygnus XL — carrying over 5 tons of cargo — to the ISS on April 11, 2026.
X Report 15 Aug 2025
SpaceX achieves significant milestones with multiple satellite launches and ongoing challenges in rural broadband funding. Noteworthy advances in Starlink capabilities enhance international connectivity.
X Report 19 Jun 2025
Today's report highlights a catastrophic failure during Starship preparations, significant advancements in Starlink services in Ukraine and India, and the successful launch of 28 Starlink satellites.
Space Brief 28 Sep 2025
Today's highlights include China's latest satellite launches, Blue Origin's expansion plans, and Purdue University's groundbreaking suborbital mission with Virgin Galactic.
Crew-11 Returns to Earth After Historic ISS Medical Evacuation | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX Crew-11 mission returns safely to Earth after first-ever medical evacuation from ISS. Crew Dragon splashes down in Pacific Ocean off California coast. Mission ended early due to health concern.
Starship Flight 13 Set for July 16, Will Deploy Live Starlinks | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX targets July 16 for Starship Flight 13, testing V3 fixes and deploying functioning Starlink satellites for the first time.
$4.16B Space Force Contract Goes to SpaceX, X Report 30 May 2026
SpaceX wins a $4.16B US Space Force contract for an airborne threat tracking satellite network. Starlink holds 10,413 satellites in orbit, 10,397 working.