Space Brief 15 Feb 2025
Today's highlights include SpaceX's record-setting Starlink launch, Redwire's contract for USSF, and military satellite developments.
ASCENT (51287)
COSPAR: 2021-118E | Alt Name: ASCENT
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 7, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
SLC41
Launch Vehicle
Atlas V 551
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
51287
International Designator
2021-118E
Epoch
Sat, 18 Jul 2026 22:26:23 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
4.25°
Right Ascension
76.83°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
109.12°
Period
1422.66 min
Mean Motion
1.01 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
ASCENT
Alternative Name
ASCENT
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
AFRL
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 51287U 21118E 26199.93499179 .00000050 00000+0 00000+0 0 9997
2 51287 4.2495 76.8282 0006327 109.1207 250.8972 01.01219155 16645
Source: Celestrak
Summary
ASCENT is a 12U CubeSat satellite operated by AFRL (Air Force Research Laboratory), manufactured by RAYBL and launched on December 7, 2021, from SLC41 at the AFETR site using an Atlas V 551 launch vehicle. The satellite measures 0.3 meters in length, has a diameter of 0.2 meters, spans 0.3 meters, and has a dry mass and launch mass of 25 kilograms each. It is powered by two deployable solar arrays, solar cells, and batteries. The purpose of ASCENT is technology demonstration. The satellite became stable on January 25, 2022. Additional details such as its attitude control system (ADCS), shape, color, and specific equipment are not provided.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.3
Diameter
0.2
Span
0.3
Dry Mass
25
Launch Mass
25
Shape
Box
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
ASCENT
Purpose
Technology
Mission
Technology
Manufacturer
RAYBL
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Cubesat 12U
Configuration
CubeSat (12U)
Motor
?
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
2 deployable solar arrays, 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
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