Space Brief 21 Apr 2025
Today's briefing highlights SpaceX's recent launch of spy satellites, a US Space Force contract for deep space tracking, and advancements in quantum communications in space.
COSMOS 2553 (51511)
COSPAR: 2022-011A | Alt Name: Kosmos-2553
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 5, 2022
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC43/4
Launch Vehicle
Soyuz-2-1A
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
51511
International Designator
2022-011A
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 21:19:25 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
67.10°
Right Ascension
318.77°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
272.32°
Period
127.11 min
Mean Motion
11.33 rev/day
Latitude
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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
COSMOS 2553
Alternative Name
Kosmos-2553
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
VVKOV
Country
Russia
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 51511U 22011A 26200.88849234 -.00000039 00000+0 -95120-4 0 9999
2 51511 67.0952 318.7740 0004011 272.3212 87.7272 11.32844607184146
Source: Celestrak
Summary
COSMOS 2553, also known as Kosmos-2553, is a reconnaissance satellite launched by Russia on February 5, 2022, from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome's Launch Pad LC43/4 using a Soyuz-2-1A launch vehicle. The satellite was manufactured by RESH and is part of the Meridian bus series. It has dimensions of approximately 4 meters in length and 2 meters in diameter with a span of 10 meters. The spacecraft has a dry mass and launch mass both recorded at 2,000 kilograms. Its payload, Neitron No. 1, suggests radar reconnaissance capabilities though details are uncertain. COSMOS 2553 is powered by solar arrays and batteries and has a box shape with two panels. It operates for purposes related to reconnaissance and possibly radar-based missions. The owner of the satellite is VVKOV (Russian Aerospace Forces).
Physical Characteristics
Length
4
Diameter
2
Span
10
Dry Mass
2000
Launch Mass
2000
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Neitron No. 1
Purpose
Reconnaissance, radar ?
Mission
Reconnaissance, radar ?
Manufacturer
RESH
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Meridian
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
?
Power System
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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