Space Brief 27 Aug 2025
Today's key space events include SpaceX's launch of the secretive X-37B military drone, XTAR's U.S. defense market strategy, and China's space station AI upgrade.
XCUBE-1 (62400)
COSPAR: 2024-247Z | Alt Name: XCUBE-1
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 21, 2024
Launch Site
Vandenberg Space Force Base
Launch Pad
SLC-4E
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
62400
International Designator
2024-247Z
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 03:00:17 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
45.00°
Right Ascension
117.48°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
34.70°
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
XCUBE-1
Alternative Name
XCUBE-1
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
Xplore Inc.
Country
United States
Constellation
Xplore Hyperspectral Constellation
Related Satellites
Major Events
Successful launch and deployment on December 21, 2024; commenced operations shortly after deployment
Latest TLEs
1 62400U 24247Z 26200.12519678 .00004357 00000+0 15732-3 0 9999
2 62400 44.9951 117.4804 0002750 34.6962 325.4101 15.30016430 87852
Source: Celestrak
Summary
XCUBE-1 is a CubeSat 6U satellite designed and manufactured by Exobotics for Xplore Inc., equipped with a Simera HyperScape100 hyperspectral camera for Earth observation. Launched on December 21, 2024, from Vandenberg Space Force Base using a Falcon 9 rocket, the satellite measures 0.3 meters in length, has a diameter of 0.2 meters, and a span of 1.2 meters when its solar panels are deployed. It weighs 12 kilograms at launch and is powered by solar cells and batteries. The spacecraft features three-axis stabilization for precise orientation control and is constructed from aluminum alloy with a silver finish. XCUBE-1 operates on the S-Band frequency and is designed for multi-year operation as part of Xplore's Hyperspectral Constellation.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.3
Diameter
0.2
Span
1.2
Dry Mass
12
Launch Mass
12
Shape
Box with deployable solar panels
Radar Cross Section
0.1
Visual Magnitude
5.5
Color
Silver
Material Composition
Aluminum alloy structure
Technical Details
Payload
Simera HyperScape100 hyperspectral camera
Purpose
Earth observation
Mission
Collect hyperspectral datasets for Earth observation
Manufacturer
Exobotics
Life Expectancy
Designed for multi-year operation
Bus
CubeSat 6U
Configuration
CubeSat (6U, 2x3U)
Motor
None
Equipment
Simera HyperScape100 hyperspectral camera
Power System
Solar cells and batteries
ADCS
Three-axis stabilization
Transmitter Frequency
S-Band
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 2 Feb 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 43 Starlink satellites across two missions, marking significant achievements at Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg Space Force Bases.
X Report 22 Mar 2025
SpaceX achieves its 450th Falcon 9 launch, setting a new turnaround record, while its competitor ULA remains grounded, awaiting clearance from the Space Force.
Space Brief 4 Dec 2024
Today's brief covers significant advancements in materials technology for space applications, a U.S. Navy contract for rocket production facilities, and NATO's upcoming classified cloud system.
Vulcan Grounding Threatens WGS-11 and OPIR Launches | KeepTrack Space Brief
ULA's Vulcan rocket grounded, imperiling Space Force WGS-11 communications satellite and Next-Gen OPIR missile warning payload. Both missions lack backup launch options.
X Report 17 Aug 2025
SpaceX prepares for its 10th Starship test flight, set for August 24, as the FAA grants approval following earlier setbacks.
Space Brief 7 Jun 2025
Today's brief covers the latest in satellite launches, military implications in space funding, and notable reentry delays.
Skyroot's Vikram-1 Reaches Orbit, Breaks Indian Launch Monopoly, Space Brief 18 Jul 2026
Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 rocket achieved orbit on July 18, becoming the first Indian commercial rocket to do so and breaking ISRO's launch monopoly.