Space Brief 21 Oct 2025
Today's brief covers the latest in satellite technology contracts, China's rocket launch ambitions, and new launch authorizations paving the way for space exploration advancements.
Launch Date
January 3, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
NORAD ID
55099
International Designator
2023-001CU
Decay Date
9/15/2024
Name
SPACEBEE-156
Alternative Name
SpaceBEE-156
Type
Status
Owner
SWARMX
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Length
0.025
Diameter
0.1
Span
0.9
Dry Mass
0.284
Launch Mass
0.284
Shape
Box+2 ant
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
SpaceBEE-156
Purpose
Communication M2M/IoT
Mission
Communication M2M/IoT
Manufacturer
SWARMX
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Cubesat 0.25U
Configuration
CubeSat (0.25U)
Motor
None
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Solar cells, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Today's brief covers the latest in satellite technology contracts, China's rocket launch ambitions, and new launch authorizations paving the way for space exploration advancements.
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