Space Brief 9 Apr 2025
Today's brief covers Blue Origin’s new defense launch contracts, the ISS launch of a Navy SEAL astronaut, Sierra Space’s GPS security advancements for the U.S. Space Force, and the Space Force's 'Orbital Watch' initiative.
TD-1A (05879)
COSPAR: 1972-014A | Alt Name: TD-1A
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 12, 1972
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC2E
Launch Vehicle
Thor Delta N
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
05879
International Designator
1972-014A
Decay Date
1/9/1980
Basic Satellite Info
Name
TD-1A
Alternative Name
TD-1A
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
ESRO
Country
European Space Research Organization
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
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
1
Span
4.5
Dry Mass
460
Launch Mass
460
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
6.3134
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
TD-1A
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
MATT
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
TD-1
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
X Report 13 Jan 2025
SpaceX gears up for a series of launches, including Starlink deployments, lunar missions, and updates on the Starship program.
Project Vanguard
How the U.S. Navy's Vanguard rocket became a Cold War icon, launched the world's oldest satellite still in orbit, and laid the groundwork for NASA's space exploration efforts.
Space Brief 4 Nov 2025
Today's brief covers China's new GEO Yaogan satellite launch, India's record-mass commsat, military tech updates, autonomous systems for maritime security, and insights from satellite imagery of Hurricane Melissa's impact in Jamaica.
X Report 19 Dec 2024
SpaceX secures FAA license for Starship Flight 7 and plans to establish Starbase as a city. Firefly and ispace are set to share a Falcon 9 launch. Plus, new Starlink services launch in New Zealand.
Saltzman's Final Warning: Space Force Preps for War | KeepTrack Space Brief
Gen. Chance Saltzman warns of impending space conflict as SpaceX launches 21 SDA satellites from Vandenberg. Space Force shifts from support role to core deterrent.
Space Brief 31 Jul 2025
Today's Space Brief brings updates on the U.S. Space Force's upcoming missions, in-space technology strategies, the challenges faced by new launchers, and advancements in satellite communication.
X Report 2 Sep 2025
SpaceX kicks off a busy week with five Falcon 9 missions planned, while the impressive layout of Raptor engines on Starship captures imaginations.