Space Brief 3 Nov 2024
Today focuses on Blue Origin's preparation for New Glenn's debut, SpaceX Crew-9's ISS maneuver, the importance of U.S.-China cooperation in space, and breathtaking ISS photography.
NUSAT-41 (C PAYNE-G) (56944)
COSPAR: 2023-084N | Alt Name: Cecilia Payne-Gaposhkin
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56944
International Designator
2023-084N
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:49:04 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
97.56°
Right Ascension
338.07°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
192.03°
Period
94.12 min
Mean Motion
15.30 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
NUSAT-41 (C PAYNE-G)
Alternative Name
Cecilia Payne-Gaposhkin
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
URUGUS
Country
Uruguay
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56944U 23084N 26200.82574463 .00005785 00000+0 20195-3 0 9998
2 56944 97.5558 338.0716 0007384 192.0280 168.0785 15.29974998172773
Source: Celestrak
Summary
NUSAT-41 (C PAYNE-G), also known as Cecilia Payne-Gaposhkin, is a satellite developed by URUGUS for Earth observation purposes. Launched on June 12, 2023, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, the satellite has a bus configuration of Newsat V and measures 0.813 meters in length with a diameter of 0.508 meters and span of 0.813 meters. The dry mass is recorded as 38.5 kg, while its launch mass was 41.5 kg. It carries an imaging payload and LUSEX U/V linear transponder payload, powered by solar cells and batteries. With a box-shaped structure, NUSAT-41's mission will last approximately 3 to 4 years.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.813
Diameter
0.508
Span
0.813
Dry Mass
38.5
Launch Mass
41.5
Shape
Box
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
NuSat-41
Purpose
Earth observation
Mission
Earth observation
Manufacturer
URUGUS
Life Expectancy
3-4 years
Bus
Newsat V
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
None
Equipment
Imaging payload (all), LUSEX U/V linear transponder payload (#1)
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.
Suborbital Tourism Scorecard 2026, the Edge of Space Goes Quiet
Twenty-two years after SpaceShipOne, the two companies that defined suborbital tourism are both sitting on the ground. Blue Origin parked New Shepard in January, Virgin Galactic has not flown a customer since 2024, and the math behind the whole business is finally getting an honest look.
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.
Space Brief 19 Nov 2025
Today's Space Brief covers the latest developments in space debris detection, Ursa Major's defense push, and SpaceX's Starlink launch. Additionally, insights into microreactors for military bases, US Cyber Command updates, and gravitational wave discoveries are highlighted.
FAA Advances Approval for 44 Starship Launches From Pad 39A | KeepTrack X Report
FAA advances environmental review for up to 44 Starship launches from Kennedy Space Center pad 39A. SpaceX wraps January with dual-coast Starlink launches. Crew-12 timeline tied to Artemis 2 schedule.
X Report 13 Feb 2025
SpaceX and NASA swap Crew Dragon for Crew-10 mission; exciting 'space jellyfish' phenomena from recent launch.
X Report 8 Dec 2025
SpaceX faces weather challenges as it scrubs the launch of its 3,000th Starlink satellite. Meanwhile, Elon Musk discusses advancing to a Type II civilization in an engaging social media post.
Mike Melvill, 124 Meters, and the Morning Space Went Private
On 21 June 2004, a 63-year-old test pilot rode a homebuilt rocket plane to 100,124 meters above the Mojave Desert, clearing the edge of space by about the length of a city block. He came down the first private astronaut in history, holding a sign that read 'SpaceShipOne, GovernmentZero.'