FUTABA (53463)

COSPAR: 1998-067UC | Alt Name: FUTABA
DECAYED

Image
FUTABA Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

November 20, 1998

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

53463

International Designator

1998-067UC

Decay Date

2/16/2023

Basic Satellite Info

Name

FUTABA

Alternative Name

FUTABA

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

KYUT

Country

Japan

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
FUTABA is a CubeSat (1U) satellite manufactured by KYUT and owned by the same entity for technology and education purposes. It was launched on November 20, 1998, from LC39A at TYSMC using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.1 meters in length, diameter, and span, with a dry mass of 1 kilogram and carries cameras as its primary equipment. FUTABA is powered by solar cells and batteries and operates in a stable state since August 12, 2022. It has an approximate lifespan of about 6 months and no propulsion system. The satellite's shape is box-like and it was designed to serve technology demonstration and educational missions.
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

FUTABA

Purpose

Technology, education

Mission

Technology, education

Manufacturer

KYUT

Life Expectancy

~ 6 months

Bus

Cubesat 1U

Configuration

CubeSat (1U)

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.

Space Brief 21 Dec 2025

Space Brief 21 Dec 2025

Today's briefing highlights the SDA's significant satellite award, Blue Origin's groundbreaking flight, and NASA's call for an Artemis review.

Space Brief 21 Mar 2025

Space Brief 21 Mar 2025

Today's highlights include SpaceX's new rocket-reuse record with a spy satellite launch, Space Force's funding strategies, and a European defense summit addressing security concerns.

Space Brief 28 Jun 2025

Space Brief 28 Jun 2025

Today's brief covers a Pentagon review of satellite launch options, Kongsberg's completed maritime satellite network, York's new satellite launch, DARPA's project cancellation, and more.

The Day Two Satellites Hit Each Other at 26,000 MPH

The Day Two Satellites Hit Each Other at 26,000 MPH

On February 10, 2009, an active Iridium communications satellite and a derelict Soviet military spacecraft slammed into each other 789 kilometers above Siberia. The collision produced more than 2,300 pieces of trackable debris that are still up there. Seventeen years later, the Iridium-Cosmos collision remains the event that made space debris a policy problem the world could no longer ignore.

SpaceX Targets 600th Falcon Booster Landing on Starlink 17-22 | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX Targets 600th Falcon Booster Landing on Starlink 17-22 | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX attempts its 600th Falcon 9 booster landing during the Starlink 17-22 mission, adding 25 satellites from Vandenberg SFB.

Space Brief 18 Aug 2025

Space Brief 18 Aug 2025

Today's Space Brief covers significant satellite launches by SpaceX, an automated collision avoidance system development, Rocket Lab's strategic acquisition, and the rise of corporate-named satellites in orbit.

Space Brief 24 Oct 2024

Space Brief 24 Oct 2024

Today's Space Brief highlights SpaceX Crew-8's return, Intelsat-33e satellite breakup, SpaceX's upcoming Starship tests, and notable launches including China's new mega-constellation.

Space Brief 20 Nov 2024

Space Brief 20 Nov 2024

Today's highlights include the U.S. military's satellite initiative facing delays, Senate inquiries into high-profile calls, and an update on Pentagon's UFO investigations. Notable mentions also cover Morocco's defense sector ambitions.