The Day Humanity First Touched an Asteroid
Twenty-four years ago, a spacecraft designed only to orbit made history with an improvised landing on asteroid Eros, marking humanitys first controlled touchdown on a small celestial body
NORAD ID
61029
International Designator
2024-160J
Decay Date
Unknown
Name
USA 408
Alternative Name
USA 408
Type
Status
Owner
NROC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Length
0.3
Diameter
4.1
Span
29
Dry Mass
700
Launch Mass
750
Shape
Box + pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
Starshield 3-09
Purpose
Unknown (imaging or SIGINT)
Mission
Unknown (imaging or SIGINT)
Manufacturer
SPXS
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Starshield
Configuration
Starshield bus ?
Motor
?
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
deployable solar arrays
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Twenty-four years ago, a spacecraft designed only to orbit made history with an improvised landing on asteroid Eros, marking humanitys first controlled touchdown on a small celestial body
Today's briefing covers key developments in defense budgets reshaping the space sector, significant Space Force contracts, and the latest news from the Chinese space station.
ULA's Vulcan remains grounded after February in-flight GEM 63XL booster anomaly. Northrop Grumman completed successful static fire test, but investigation ongoing with no return-to-flight date.
Today's Space Brief covers Rocket Lab's IoT satellite launch, SpaceX's European Galileo satellites, FAA's fine on SpaceX, Polaris Dawn mission achievements, and more.
SpaceX gears up for multiple Falcon 9 launches, amidst challenges from Project Kuiper and environmental concerns.
Today's briefing covers Iceye's new aerospace service for defense clients, ESA's plan for dual-use satellites, and key defense agreements impacting satellite technology.
Expansion of national security capabilities with new services, shifts in Pentagon priorities, challenges in zero trust compliance, and more.
SpaceX marks a significant milestone with its 100th Starlink mission launch and makes impressive progress on lunar lander development for Artemis III.