Space Brief 13 Mar 2025
Today's space brief highlights intriguing military satellite developments, new space launch strategies to counteract observation threats, and potential European defense industry advancements.
AFR-1 (56964)
COSPAR: 2023-084AJ | Alt Name: ABA First Runner
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56964
International Designator
2023-084AJ
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:55:26 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
97.63°
Right Ascension
338.32°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
216.76°
Period
94.19 min
Mean Motion
15.29 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
AFR-1
Alternative Name
ABA First Runner
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
AZBST
Country
India
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56964U 23084AJ 26200.83016706 .00002420 00000+0 89207-4 0 9995
2 56964 97.6316 338.3203 0009592 216.7579 143.3004 15.28799492172212
Source: Celestrak
Summary
AFR-1, also known as ABA First Runner, is an Earth observation and technology satellite owned by AZBST and manufactured under the LEOS-50 bus configuration. It was launched on June 12, 2023, from AFWTR Launch Site using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle from SLC4E pad. The satellite has dimensions of 0.6 meters in length, with a diameter and span of 1 meter each. Weighing 80 kilograms at launch and operating on solar cells and batteries for power supply, it is shaped as a box with a panoramic component. Its mission focuses on Earth observation and technology advancements.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.6
Diameter
1
Span
1
Dry Mass
80
Launch Mass
80
Shape
Box + Pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
AFR
Purpose
Earth observation, technology
Mission
Earth observation, technology
Manufacturer
AZBST
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
AFR
Configuration
LEOS-50 bus
Motor
None
Equipment
Unknown
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.
Space Brief 14 Jun 2025
Today's space news roundup highlights a significant defense bill passed for the Space Force, a delay in the Axiom-4 mission due to ISS issues, and major satellite deals with NATO.
X Report 18 Apr 2025
Cape Canaveral launch site activities intensify; SpaceX explores new subscription model for Trump's Golden Dome.
X Report 11 Mar 2025
A week of highs and lows for SpaceX, including weather-related delays and a return to Falcon launches.
Space Brief 11 Mar 2025
Today's Space Brief highlights pivotal defense budget evaluations, Lithuania's growing defense connections, the first CubeSat for ESA's Ramses mission, and the one-year milestone of the Aries satellite in orbit.
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.
New Glenn Explodes at LC-36, Grounded Over 1 Year | KeepTrack Space Brief
Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket exploded at Cape Canaveral's LC-36, causing visible pad damage and a year-plus grounding. NASA lunar plans affected.
X Report 3 Jan 2025
SpaceX's pivotal role in setting a new global launch record and the upcoming launch of the Thuraya 4-NGS satellite are spotlighted today.