Space Brief 19 Mar 2025
Today's brief explores a simulated 'dogfight' in space by Chinese satellites, insights into a cloud platform by Oracle and Singapore's defense agency, and more space-related developments.
CAPSAT (49276)
COSPAR: 1998-067SV | Alt Name: CAPSat
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 20, 1998
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
49276
International Designator
1998-067SV
Decay Date
9/18/2022
Basic Satellite Info
Name
CAPSAT
Alternative Name
CAPSat
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
UIUC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
CAPSAT is a CubeSat (3U) satellite developed and owned by UIUC. It was launched on November 20, 1998, from LC39A at the TYMSC launch site using a Falcon 9 as the launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 0.1 meters and has a span of 0.3 meters. CAPSAT's dry mass is 4 kilograms, which is identical to its launch mass. It is powered by solar cells and batteries and serves a technology mission purpose. Its stable date is recorded as October 12, 2021. The satellite is equipped with SPAD equipment for its operations.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.3
Diameter
0.1
Span
0.3
Dry Mass
4
Launch Mass
4
Shape
Box
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
CAPSat
Purpose
Technology
Mission
Technology
Manufacturer
UIUC
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Cubesat 3U
Configuration
CubeSat (3U)
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
SPAD
Power System
Solar cells, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Virgin Galactic's Upcoming "Galactic 06" Spaceflight
On January 26, 2024, Virgin Galactic's "Galactic 06" mission will launch, marking its 11th spaceflight.
1 Million AI Data Centers in Orbit Threaten Astronomy | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's proposed 1-million-satellite AI data center constellation alarms astronomers as Falcon 9 logs its 25th Starlink launch of 2026.
X Report 22 Nov 2025
Major challenges emerged with SpaceX's next-generation Starship booster testing, while Starlink deployments continued with successful launches.
Space Brief 27 Oct 2024
Today's brief covers SpaceX's latest Starlink launch, updates on Crew-8's return, and preparations for the SLS Artemis II mission.
Space Brief 12 Jan 2025
Today's briefing covers significant events including launch delays for SpaceX's Starship and Blue Origin's New Glenn, BepiColombo's landmark Mercury flyby, and the impact of Los Angeles fires on the space community.
The Day Space Became Crowded
Eight years ago, a single Indian rocket launched 104 satellites into orbit, marking a pivotal moment when space tracking professionals realized the dawn of a new, congested era in orbital operations
Space Brief 4 Feb 2025
Today's brief covers the expansion of the U.S. missile defense shield, a new contract for Viasat from the U.S. Space Force, and the Missile Defense Agency's call for innovative Iron Dome concepts.