Space Brief 12 Aug 2025
Today's brief covers a groundbreaking national security mission for ULA's Vulcan, NASA's collaboration with LeoLabs for enhanced collision avoidance, and SEOPS' new satellite tracking services, among other key developments.
HAWK-9B (59450)
COSPAR: 2024-066J | Alt Name: Hawk 9B
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 7, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59450
International Designator
2024-066J
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 18:52:22 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
45.61°
Right Ascension
109.66°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
207.41°
Period
96.05 min
Mean Motion
14.99 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
HAWK-9B
Alternative Name
Hawk 9B
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
HE360
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59450U 24066J 26200.78636779 .00000584 00000+0 65915-4 0 9990
2 59450 45.6126 109.6645 0003318 207.4125 152.6581 14.99218083124725
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The HAWK-9B satellite, also known as Hawk 9B, was launched on April 7, 2024, from LC39A at the AFETR launch site using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has a BUS type of Hawk2G and is based on the Defiant bus configuration. The satellite measures 0.45 meters in length, 0.3 meters in diameter, and has a span of 1 meter. It weighs 30 kilograms dry and had a launch mass of 31 kilograms. HAWK-9B is owned by HE360 and manufactured by UTIAS. Its mission includes RF spectrum monitoring, SIGINT, and traffic monitoring. The satellite uses solar cells and batteries for power and has a motor system that employs FEES or water thrusters. It is designed to operate for 3 years and has a box shape with two panels.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.45
Diameter
0.3
Span
1
Dry Mass
30
Launch Mass
31
Shape
Box + 2 pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Hawk 9B
Purpose
RF spectrum monitoring, SIGINT, Traffic monitoring
Mission
RF spectrum monitoring, SIGINT, Traffic monitoring
Manufacturer
UTIAS
Life Expectancy
3 years
Bus
Hawk2G
Configuration
Defiant bus
Motor
FEES or water thrusters (#2-6); water thrusters (#7-...)
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.
X Report 6 Aug 2025
SpaceX has adapted Pad 1 for Ship Static Fire tests while addressing the recent downtime at Massey’s, showcasing its commitment to maintaining launch schedules despite setbacks.
Space Brief 8 Oct 2025
Today's brief covers key developments in satellite launches, missile defense strategies, advanced IoT satellite connectivity, and the projected growth of the satellite market driven by defense needs.
X Report 23 Apr 2025
SpaceX marks a significant milestone with its Bandwagon-3 mission, while Ukraine explores Starlink alternatives.
Space Brief 4 Aug 2025
Key developments in space today include significant satellite launches, advancements in space technology, and an exciting crewed suborbital flight. Highlights cover China's satellite internet progress, a promising innovation for solar cells, and recent SpaceX and Blue Origin activities.
Largest Satellite Debris Events
Space debris poses a mounting threat to both satellites and space missions. As we send more objects into orbit, the likelihood of collisions and subsequent breakups producing dangerous space debris increases. Recognizing the major events that have generated this dangerous space junk is pivotal in ensuring the safety of future space missions.
X Report 20 Jun 2025
SpaceX experiences significant setbacks with Starship after Ship 36 explodes during static fire preparations, while Eutelsat secures funding to bolster competition against Starlink.
X Report 15 Apr 2025
SpaceX sets a new rocket-reuse record and prepares for upcoming launches, maintaining the momentum in Starlink satellite deployments.