X Report 17 Feb 2025
Key insights on Starship development challenges and latest Starlink satellite status.
KITSUNE (52148)
COSPAR: 1998-067TK | Alt Name: KITSUNE
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 20, 1998
Launch Site
Launch Pad
Pad 0A
Launch Vehicle
Antares 230+
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
52148
International Designator
1998-067TK
Decay Date
3/14/2023
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
KITSUNE
Alternative Name
KITSUNE
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
KYUT
Country
Japan
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
KITSUNE is a 6U CubeSat satellite manufactured by KYUT and owned by the same entity. It was launched on November 20, 1998, from TYMSC Launch Site using the Antares 230+ launch vehicle from Pad 0A. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 0.2 meters in diameter, and a span of 0.3 meters, with both its dry mass and launch mass being 10 kilograms. KITSUNE is equipped with cameras for technology and educational purposes. Its power supply comes from solar cells and batteries. The satellite was stabilized by March 24, 2022, and has an estimated operational lifetime of about six months.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.3
Diameter
0.2
Span
0.3
Dry Mass
10
Launch Mass
10
Shape
Box
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
KITSUNE
Purpose
Technology, education
Mission
Technology, education
Manufacturer
KYUT
Life Expectancy
~ 6 months
Bus
Cubesat 6U
Configuration
CubeSat (6U)
Motor
None
Equipment
Cameras
Power System
Solar cells, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Etlaq Spaceport
The Middle East's first commercial spaceport is building launch heritage one rocket at a time. How Oman is positioning Duqm as a global launch hub - and what the 2025 delays tell us about the real pace of spaceport development.
Boeing Starliner Faces New Setbacks, Stranding NASA Astronauts on ISS
Boeing's Starliner spacecraft encounters thruster problems and helium leaks during its first crewed mission, potentially delaying the return of NASA astronauts from the International Space Station.
Starship Barge Spotted for Component Transport to Kennedy Space Center | KeepTrack X Report
Starship transport barge identified for shipping components from Starbase to Kennedy Space Center. Starlink's 2025 report shows 4.6M new customers and expansion to 35 new regions.
Second Starlink Debris Anomaly in 3 Months | KeepTrack X Report
A second Starlink satellite malfunction in just over three months has generated on-orbit debris, raising fresh questions about SpaceX's 10,151-strong working constellation.
X Report 12 Dec 2025
SpaceX makes headlines with record-breaking launch operations, while plans for an IPO signal major changes in the company's trajectory and could inspire industry-wide movements.
X Report 5 Dec 2024
SpaceX achieves new milestones with Starlink launches, and Elon Musk's influence is a point of discussion. Telesat makes strides amid Starlink's growing dominance.
X Report 16 Nov 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 29 Starlink satellites on November 14, marking the first of two rapid-fire Falcon 9 missions from Florida's Space Coast in under four hours.