Space Brief 30 Apr 2025
Today's briefing covers a significant hypersonic missile launch by the U.S. Army, the declassification of spy satellite photos aiding demining efforts, and the deployment of cutting-edge research payloads to the ISS.
HAWK-3C (48948)
COSPAR: 2021-059BX | Alt Name: Hawk 3C
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 30, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48948
International Designator
2021-059BX
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 19:53:52 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
97.68°
Right Ascension
28.84°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
245.76°
Period
91.66 min
Mean Motion
15.71 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
HAWK-3C
Alternative Name
Hawk 3C
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
HE360
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48948U 21059BX 26184.82908216 .00046359 00000-0 37060-3 0 9993
2 48948 97.6758 28.8415 0003695 245.7637 114.3239 15.70972874280465
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The HAWK-3C satellite, also known as Hawk 3C, was launched on June 30, 2021, from Launch Pad LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It is owned by HE360 and manufactured by UTIAS, with a Defiant bus configuration for its operations. The satellite has dimensions of 0.5 meters in length, 0.4 meters in diameter, and a span of 1 meter, and it has a dry mass of 30 kg and a launch mass of 31 kg. Its mission involves RF spectrum monitoring, SIGINT (Signals Intelligence), and traffic monitoring. The satellite's propulsion includes FEES or water thrusters for maneuvering. It is powered by solar cells and batteries and designed to operate for approximately three years.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.5
Diameter
0.4
Span
1
Dry Mass
30
Launch Mass
31
Shape
Box + 2 pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Hawk 3C
Purpose
RF spectrum monitoring, SIGINT, Traffic monitoring
Mission
RF spectrum monitoring, SIGINT, Traffic monitoring
Manufacturer
UTIAS
Life Expectancy
3 years
Bus
Defiant
Configuration
Defiant bus
Motor
FEES or water thrusters (#2-6); water thrusters (#7-...)
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.
X Report 25 Nov 2024
SpaceX launches multiple Starlink batches, FAA updates for Starship, and NASA plans lunar cargo deliveries involving SpaceX and Blue Origin.
X Report 28 Dec 2024
SpaceX wraps up a stellar year with Starship achievements and prepares for a lunar triple-shot in 2025.
Space Brief 16 Nov 2024
Today's highlights include ABL Space shifting its focus to missile defense, Intuitive Machines advocating for Artemis infrastructure reforms, and more updates from space and defense sectors.
X Report 18 Jun 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites while preparing for the upcoming Ax-4 mission to the ISS. Significant progress continues in their ongoing space endeavors.
Space Brief 28 Feb 2025
Today's brief covers defense industry dynamics, advancements in quantum sensor technology, and geopolitical challenges impacting military space operations.
NROL-72 Spy Satellites Launched; Starlink PNT Blocked | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's 13th NRO proliferated-arch mission lifted off May 11 as Starlink shuts its GPS-rival feature ahead of a looming IPO.
Space Brief 25 Nov 2025
Today's briefing covers Chinese satellite launches, military defense strategies in space, increasing launch activity at the Space Coast, and potential rivals to SpaceX's Starlink.