Geosynchronous Orbit (GEO)
Understanding the unique orbital sweet spot that keeps satellites perfectly positioned above Earth
GLOBAL-16 (49950)
COSPAR: 2021-120B | Alt Name: Global-16
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 9, 2021
Launch Site
RLLB
Launch Pad
LC1A
Launch Vehicle
Electron
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
49950
International Designator
2021-120B
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 01:00:50 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
42.00°
Right Ascension
312.85°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
356.50°
Period
92.84 min
Mean Motion
15.51 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
GLOBAL-16
Alternative Name
Global-16
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
BSKG
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 49950U 21120B 26185.04225509 .00033113 00000-0 55651-3 0 9998
2 49950 41.9959 312.8476 0012809 356.4987 3.5766 15.51014982257466
Source: Celestrak
Summary
GLOBAL-16, also known as Global-16, is an Earth Observation satellite operated by BSKG and manufactured by LEOSTL under the BSky BUS program using the SCOUT bus configuration. Launched on December 9, 2021, from Launch Complex 1A at Rocket Lab Launch Complex B (RLLB) with an Electron launch vehicle, this US-owned satellite has a dry mass of 50 kg and a launch mass of 55 kg. The spacecraft measures 1 meter in length, 0.5 meters in diameter, and spans 1 meter, with solar cells and batteries providing power. Its primary payload is the SpaceView-24 imager designed for Earth observation tasks. GLOBAL-16 has an operational lifetime of three years and is shaped like a box.
Physical Characteristics
Length
1
Diameter
0.5
Span
1
Dry Mass
50
Launch Mass
55
Shape
Box
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
BlackSky Global 16
Purpose
Earth Observation
Mission
Earth Observation
Manufacturer
LEOSTL
Life Expectancy
3 years
Bus
BSky
Configuration
SCOUT bus
Motor
?
Equipment
SpaceView-24 imager
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.
Space Brief 2 Sep 2025
Today's brief covers key topics such as SpaceX's latest Starlink launch, the European Space Agency's new initiatives, and Space Force's integration of AI into its operations.
X Report 31 Jan 2025
SpaceX's Starlink sparks market shifts and celestial awe as iPhones gain new connectivity and a satellite ignites the night sky.
Space Brief 23 Mar 2025
Discover today's fascinating space events, from exceptional aurora displays to potential exomoon formations, alongside intriguing satellite insights.
The Day Humanity's First Modular Space Station Reached Orbit
Thirty-nine years ago, a Proton rocket carried the core of the Mir space station into orbit, launching an unprecedented era of continuous human presence in space and international cooperation
NASA Tests Artemis 2 Fueling, Saudi Unveils DebriSolver Winners | KeepTrack Space Brief
NASA conducts critical Artemis 2 rocket fueling test. Saudi Space Agency announces global DebriSolver competition winners. SpaceX and Bezos push orbital data center plans.
The Day the Soviets Built a World in Orbit
Forty years ago today, the USSR launched a 20-ton aluminum cylinder into low Earth orbit and called it 'Peace.' Over the next 15 years, Mir would host 104 people from 12 countries, survive a fire and a collision, and quietly teach humanity how to live in space.
X Report 7 Feb 2025
DIU explores SpaceX Starship's in-space refueling; Investors advise startups against competing or emulating SpaceX.