Space Brief 4 Sep 2024
Today's brief highlights SpaceX's Starlink launch, the sale of Telesat's remote communications services, advancements in hypersonic missile tracking, and more on satellite imagery from the NGA.
OPS 4311 (DMSP 5B F1) (05557)
COSPAR: 1971-087A | Alt Name: DMSP 4527
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 14, 1971
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC10W
Launch Vehicle
Thor Burner 2A
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
05557
International Designator
1971-087A
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 05:27:49 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
99.02°
Right Ascension
288.20°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
218.74°
Period
100.80 min
Mean Motion
14.29 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
OPS 4311 (DMSP 5B F1)
Alternative Name
DMSP 4527
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
SAMSO
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 05557U 71087A 26185.22765630 .00000228 00000-0 10869-3 0 9997
2 05557 99.0213 288.2025 0049773 218.7367 141.0241 14.28524406842877
Source: Celestrak
Summary
Apologies, there is no summary for this satellite yet. I am working to generate these for every object in the catalog, but it is going to take time.
Physical Characteristics
Length
2.1
Diameter
0.8
Span
2.1
Dry Mass
192
Launch Mass
192
Shape
Taper Cyl
Radar Cross Section
1.1207
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
DMSP Block 5B F-1
Purpose
Meteorology
Mission
Meteorology
Manufacturer
RCA
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
DMSP Block 5B
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
?
Equipment
?
Power System
Solar cells, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
The Civilian Space Traffic System America Almost Didn't Build
For nearly two decades, the U.S. Air Force and Space Force have been the world's unofficial civilian space traffic control system. The Department of Commerce's Traffic Coordination System for Space (TraCSS) is now taking over that job for commercial satellite operators - in stages, against persistent congressional pressure to kill the program, and with Department of Defense advocates pushing to make it happen before it is too late.
New Glenn Upper Stage Fails, BlueBird 7 Lost, Space Brief 20 Apr 2026
New Glenn's upper stage malfunctioned April 19, stranding AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird 7; the satellite is lost. Vulcan may fly without solid boosters.
X Report 28 Nov 2024
SpaceX advances with Starship, gains FCC approval for new services, and predicts a future shift in spacecraft dominance.
Space Brief 15 Jun 2025
Today’s highlights focus on the launch preparations for the Dragoon Mission, China’s seismo-electromagnetic satellite launch, NASA budget cut impacts, and a major expansion by American Pacific Corporation.
Space Brief 30 Jun 2025
Today's highlights include SpaceX's record-breaking launches, Japan's final H-2A launch, and significant developments in satellite data policies impacting weather forecasting.
X Report 26 Jun 2025
SpaceX successfully launched the Ax-4 private astronaut mission to the ISS while continuing its satellite deployment with 27 new Starlink satellites, amidst ongoing recovery efforts from the loss of Ship 36.
Starship V3 Debut Slips as Booster 19 Rolls to Pad 2 | KeepTrack X Report
Starship V3's maiden flight is delayed as SpaceX rolls Booster 19 to Pad 2 for Flight 9, while Falcon 9 completes its 30th mission of 2026.