Space Brief 23 Dec 2025
Today's briefing covers the Long March 12A's first launch, a major advance in space radio communication, and highlights from key military developments impacting space operations.
Launch Date
November 10, 1972
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC17B
Launch Vehicle
Delta 1914
NORAD ID
06278
International Designator
1972-090A
Epoch
Thu, 02 Jul 2026 06:48:02 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
6.17°
Right Ascension
292.76°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
195.16°
Period
1457.10 min
Mean Motion
0.99 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Name
ANIK A1 (TELESAT 1)
Alternative Name
Anik A1
Type
Status
Owner
TCAN
Country
Canada
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
1 6278U 72090A 26183.28335891 -.00000084 00000-0 00000+0 0 9992
2 6278 6.1654 292.7635 0014938 195.1613 183.3882 0.98826722119202
Source: Celestrak
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.
Length
1.5
Diameter
2.2
Span
3.5
Dry Mass
185
Launch Mass
250
Shape
Cyl + Dish
Radar Cross Section
3.1376
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
Anik A1
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
HSES
Life Expectancy
7 years
Bus
HS-333
Configuration
HS-333
Motor
FW5
Equipment
12 C-band transponders
Power System
Solar cells (body mounted), batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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