Space Brief 12 May 2025
Today's brief covers key industry movements in space logistics and satellite production, including Rocket Lab's new U.S. Air Force contract, Sierra Space's strides in GPS technology, and more.
ALFACRUX (52160)
COSPAR: 2022-033D | Alt Name: Alfa Crux
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 1, 2022
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
52160
International Designator
2022-033D
Decay Date
4/5/2024
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
ALFACRUX
Alternative Name
Alfa Crux
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
UNB
Country
Brazil
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
ALFACRUX (Alfa Crux) is a CubeSat 1U technology satellite launched on April 1, 2022, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 40 aboard a Falcon 9 launch vehicle by the UNB. The spacecraft measures 0.1 meters in length, diameter, and span with a dry mass of 1 kilogram. It is powered by solar cells and batteries. Manufactured by ALENSP/UNB, ALFACRUX's primary purpose is to serve as a technology demonstrator for the Brazilian space program. No specific details on its equipment or major events are provided.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.1
Diameter
0.1
Span
0.1
Dry Mass
1
Launch Mass
1
Shape
Box
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Alfa Crux
Purpose
Technology
Mission
Technology
Manufacturer
ALENSP/UNB
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Cubesat 1U
Configuration
CubeSat (1U)
Motor
None
Equipment
?
Power System
Solar cells, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 2 Jun 2025
Today's edition covers SpaceX's Starlink launch delay, a breakthrough in ceramic manufacturing for space, and Momentus's orbital tech demo, among other headlines.
Congress Passes FY2026 Bill Reinstating NASA Funding, Slingshot Wins $27M AI Contract | KeepTrack Space Brief
Congress passes FY2026 spending bill reinstating NASA funding. Slingshot Aerospace wins $27M Space Force contract for AI satellite training. Portal Space selects Atomic-6 debris shield for 2026 mission.
X Report 8 Jan 2025
SpaceX sets sights on new frontiers with the imminent Starlink launch and upcoming Blue Ghost moon lander mission.
Space Brief 28 Nov 2025
Discover the latest on China's Zhuque-3 launch, ISS crew updates, ESA's budget dealings, a strategic super-resolution partnership, and ACME Space's innovative plans.
How a Parachutist Named Seagull Became the First Woman in Space
On 16 June 1963, a 26-year-old former textile worker named Valentina Tereshkova launched aboard Vostok 6 and spent nearly three days alone in orbit. She flew 48 times around the Earth, longer than every American astronaut combined, and spotted a dangerous flaw in her descent program that ground controllers had missed.
X Report 14 Jul 2025
SpaceX successfully launched the Dror 1 satellite for Israel Aerospace Industries, marking another step forward in their launch capabilities.
X Report 13 Apr 2025
SpaceX successfully launches 21 Starlink satellites and deploys a new batch of spy satellites for the US government.