Space Brief 18 Apr 2025
Today's highlights include a Minotaur IV launch of U.S. spy satellites, Rocket Lab's new defense contracts, and the unveiling of Space Force's warfighting framework. Plus, the Satellite Spotlight dives into METEOR 3-1.
Launch Date
June 29, 1961
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC17B
Launch Vehicle
Thor Ablestar
NORAD ID
48821
International Designator
1961-015MZ
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 22:45:32 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
67.93°
Right Ascension
60.87°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
61.48°
Period
112.73 min
Mean Motion
12.77 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Name
THOR ABLESTAR DEB
Alternative Name
deb Ablestar 008
Type
Status
Owner
AFSSD
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
1 48821U 61015MZ 26184.94829081 .00000225 00000-0 73103-3 0 9994
2 48821 67.9343 60.8724 0507225 61.4834 303.6297 12.77430794556562
Source: Celestrak
Length
0
Diameter
0
Span
0
Dry Mass
0
Launch Mass
0
Shape
N/A
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
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
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