The Day Fiery Failure Launched NASA
Sixty-eight years ago, America's first satellite exploded on the launchpad in front of the entire world. But from the ashes of Vanguard TV-3 came the determination that would eventually win the Space Race.
Launch Date
November 8, 2025
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
NORAD ID
66405
International Designator
2025-257AB
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 01:36:46 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
319.83°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
40.84°
Period
93.85 min
Mean Motion
15.34 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Name
STARLINK-35683
Alternative Name
N/A
Type
Status
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
1 66405U 25257AB 26201.06720774 .00013727 00000+0 41660-3 0 9995
2 66405 53.1619 319.8349 0000660 40.8440 319.2612 15.34403712 39968
Source: Celestrak
Length
0.3
Diameter
4.1
Span
29.0
Dry Mass
530
Launch Mass
575
Shape
Box + pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
Starlink Group 10-51-26
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
SPXS
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Starlink V2MO
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Sixty-eight years ago, America's first satellite exploded on the launchpad in front of the entire world. But from the ashes of Vanguard TV-3 came the determination that would eventually win the Space Race.
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