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.
SXM-8 (48838)
COSPAR: 2021-049A | Alt Name: SXM-8
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 6, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48838
International Designator
2021-049A
Epoch
Thu, 02 Jul 2026 18:42:27 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
0.02°
Right Ascension
24.79°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
10.36°
Period
1436.12 min
Mean Motion
1.00 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SXM-8
Alternative Name
SXM-8
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SIRX
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48838U 21049A 26183.77948934 -.00000194 00000-0 00000-0 0 9993
2 48838 0.0152 24.7917 0005461 10.3626 81.1216 1.00270228 18746
Source: Celestrak
Summary
SXM-8, also known as 2021-049A, is a communication satellite built by MAXSS and owned by SIRX. It was launched on June 6, 2021, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite, based on the SSL-1300 bus configuration, has dimensions of 5.2 meters in length and 5.6 meters in diameter, with a span of 30 meters due to its deployable solar arrays. Its dry mass is recorded as 2884 kilograms, while its launch mass was 7000 kilograms. The satellite's payload includes S-Band transponders, and it utilizes two deployable solar arrays along with batteries for power generation. With a planned lifetime of 15 years, the SXM-8 operates in a communication capacity and features R-4D motors as part of its propulsion system.
Physical Characteristics
Length
5.2
Diameter
5.6
Span
30
Dry Mass
2884
Launch Mass
7000
Shape
Box+2 panels
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
SXM-8
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
MAXSS
Life Expectancy
15 years
Bus
LS-1300
Configuration
SSL-1300
Motor
R-4D
Equipment
S-Band transponders
Power System
2 deployable solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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