Launch Date
October 17, 1963
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC13
Launch Vehicle
Atlas Agena D
NORAD ID
00674
International Designator
1963-039A
Epoch
Thu, 21 Aug 2025 16:57:53 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
46.92°
Right Ascension
107.07°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
83.46°
Period
6488.75 min
Mean Motion
0.22 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Name
VELA 2
Alternative Name
Vela I-A
Type
Status
Owner
AFSSD
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
1 00674U 63039A 25233.70687258 -.00000484 00000-0 00000-0 0 9993
2 00674 46.9199 107.0652 5061239 83.4591 359.8149 0.22192263 8705
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
1.4
Diameter
1.4
Span
1.4
Dry Mass
115
Launch Mass
115
Shape
Poly
Radar Cross Section
0.003
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
Vela 1A
Purpose
Nuclear Detection
Mission
Nuclear Detection
Manufacturer
TRW
Life Expectancy
6 months (design)
Bus
Vela
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
BE3A
Equipment
12 external X-ray detectors and 18 internal neutron and gamma-ray detectors
Power System
Solar cells, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Designed for a two-year mission to catch gamma-ray bursts in the act, Swift is now 21 years old, slowly falling out of the sky, and the subject of an unprecedented private rescue mission. Nobody planned for it to be this hard to let go.
Today's brief covers the launch of the X-37B, cutting-edge quantum navigation systems, and the future of space-based military technology. Discover the role of SpaceX and the advancements in inertial navigation.
SpaceX continues making strides in satellite deployments and Starship preparations while managing challenges in space traffic.
In 2024, China launched 68 orbital missions. In 2025, the number jumped to 97. In 2026, state media and Western analysts agree the target is 140 or more. Most of that growth is being driven by two state-backed mega-constellations, a half-dozen private launch companies hitting stride, and a deliberate national pivot toward commercial space. Beijing is no longer trying to catch SpaceX. It is trying to build an industrial base that outlasts one.
SpaceX to launch Koreasat-6A on a record-tying Falcon 9 flight, and 24 Starlink satellites later today.
SpaceX sets a rocket re-use record, Starlink satellites continue to proliferate, and Botswana launches its first national satellite.
Today's Space Brief highlights Innospace's upcoming orbital launch, SpaceX's record-setting Starlink mission, China's Thousand Sails constellation, Atomic-6's new space armor, and developments in SpaceX's West Coast facilities.
Experts warn falling space debris risk to aircraft is increasing. North Korea tests advanced hypersonic missiles. Space Force seeks launch providers for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg pads.
