Space Brief 22 Aug 2025
SpaceX's X-37B spaceplane launch, featuring advanced tech, highlights today’s space events. The launch of the first reprogrammable navigation satellite by the US Space Force is another significant milestone.
SPACEBEE-56 (47468)
COSPAR: 2021-006BH | Alt Name: SpaceBEE-56
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 24, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
47468
International Designator
2021-006BH
Decay Date
5/19/2023
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SPACEBEE-56
Alternative Name
SpaceBEE-56
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
SWARM
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
SPACEBEE-56 is a CubeSat (0.25U) communication satellite owned and operated by SWARM for M2M/IoT purposes. It was launched on January 24, 2021, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 0.025 meters in length with a diameter of 0.1 meter and spans up to 0.9 meters when deployed. It has a dry mass of 0.284 kg and is powered by solar cells and batteries, designed for Earth observation tasks related to communication technology.
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 56
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.
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.
X Report 1 Aug 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 19 Starlink satellites from California amidst a weather-related scrub of the Crew-11 mission to the ISS, showcasing the company’s focus on expanding its satellite constellation while overcoming operational challenges.
Track the International Space Station
A look at how tracking the space station offers a unique view of space exploration.
Space Force Awards Pulse Space $40M for Laser Power Tech | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force awards Pulse Space $40 million to develop laser systems for transmitting power and data between spacecraft in orbit. Game-changing on-orbit energy transfer capability.
Space Brief 15 Dec 2025
Today's highlights include multiple SpaceX Starlink launches, a successful Rocket Lab mission for JAXA, and a scheduled launch update from Kennedy Space Center.
X Report 27 Dec 2024
SpaceX rounds off a record-setting year with over 130 launches, achieving new milestones in Starship development and Starlink expansion.
China Launches VLEO Alliance With Sats Below 300km | KeepTrack Space Brief
China formalized a national VLEO industry alliance with multiple satellites sustaining operations below 300 kilometers altitude. Propulsion startups attracting investment.