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BLUE RING PATHFINDER (62720)
COSPAR: 2025-011A | Alt Name: Blue Ring Pathfinder
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 16, 2025
Launch Site
Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
Launch Pad
LC-36
Launch Vehicle
New Glenn
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
62720
International Designator
2025-011A
Epoch
Sat, 18 Jul 2026 20:35:20 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
29.80°
Right Ascension
143.34°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
310.25°
Period
374.70 min
Mean Motion
3.84 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
BLUE RING PATHFINDER
Alternative Name
Blue Ring Pathfinder
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
Blue Origin
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
Launched on January 16, 2025, aboard the inaugural flight of Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket, successfully reaching its intended orbit and initiating its mission to validate the Blue Ring platform's capabilities.
Latest TLEs
1 62720U 25011A 26199.85787669 -.00000004 00000+0 00000+0 0 9992
2 62720 29.8050 143.3377 4895833 310.2533 16.1893 03.84311175 21091
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Blue Ring Pathfinder is a US satellite designed by Blue Origin and launched on January 16, 2025, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station using the New Glenn launch vehicle from LC-36. It measures 2 meters in length, diameter, and span with a dry mass of 3980 kilograms. The spacecraft is configured as a space mobility platform with an annular shape and metallic coloration. Equipped with advanced computing systems, power provision through solar arrays, and a communications array for validating space-to-ground communications, the Blue Ring Pathfinder uses chemical propulsion for major maneuvers and electric propulsion for station-keeping. Its mission is to test core flight, ground systems, and operational capabilities of its platform, supporting future in-space logistics and satellite deployment missions with up to 13 payload ports capable of hosting payloads up to 3,000 kilograms. The satellite's mission duration is designed for approximately five years, with construction materials including aerospace-grade aluminum and composite materials.
Physical Characteristics
Length
2
Diameter
2
Span
2
Dry Mass
3980
Launch Mass
3980
Shape
Annulus
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
5
Color
Metallic
Material Composition
Constructed using aerospace-grade aluminum and composite materials.
Technical Details
Payload
The platform can host payloads of up to 3,000 kilograms across 13 ports, accommodating satellites in both ESPA and ESPA Grande classes.
Purpose
Technology
Mission
The Blue Ring Pathfinder's mission is to test and validate the core flight, ground systems, and operational capabilities of the Blue Ring platform, paving the way for future in-space logistics and satellite deployment missions.
Manufacturer
Blue Origin
Life Expectancy
Designed for a mission duration of approximately 5 years.
Bus
Blue Ring
Configuration
Space Mobility Platform
Motor
Chemical propulsion for major maneuvers and electric propulsion for station-keeping.
Equipment
The Blue Ring Pathfinder is equipped with advanced in-space computing systems, a power system, and a communications array to validate space-to-ground communications capabilities.
Power System
Powered by solar arrays providing energy to onboard systems and hosted payloads.
ADCS
Likely utilizes a combination of reaction wheels and control moment gyroscopes for attitude control.
Transmitter Frequency
Specific frequencies are not publicly disclosed.
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
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