Space Brief 1 Jun 2025
Today's highlights cover critical satellite launches including SpaceX's GPS III mission, advancements in SATCOM technology, and changes in NASA leadership.
RANGER 6 (RA-6) (00747)
COSPAR: N/A | Alt Name: Ranger 6
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 30, 1964
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC12
Launch Vehicle
Atlas Agena B
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
00747
International Designator
N/A
Decay Date
2/2/1964
Basic Satellite Info
Name
RANGER 6 (RA-6)
Alternative Name
Ranger 6
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
JPL
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
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.
Physical Characteristics
Length
3
Diameter
1.5
Span
4.6
Dry Mass
381
Launch Mass
381
Shape
Oct Cyl + Truss + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
RA-6
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
JPL
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Ranger Block III
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
SpaceX IPO Raises $75B, SPCX Surges 20% on Day One | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX debuted on Nasdaq as SPCX at $135/share, raising a record $75B and pushing Elon Musk's net worth past $1 trillion for the first time.
X Report 19 Feb 2025
SpaceX achieves a new milestone with a Falcon 9 landing near The Bahamas, closely following Rocket Lab's successful satellite launch.
Starlink Constellation Size Nears 10,000, X Report 16 Mar 2026
Starlink constellation size in March 2026: 9,996 satellites in orbit and 9,986 working from 11,504 launched, as SpaceX deorbits legacy V1.0 hardware.
SpaceX Launches GPS Satellite Tonight, Starship V3 Targets Mid-March | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX to launch GPS III SV09 satellite for Space Force at 11:38 p.m. EST from Cape Canaveral. Musk confirms Starship V3 with Raptor V3 engines targets mid-March first flight.
GAO Warns Space Force Satellite Costs Rising, Workforce Cuts Add Risk | KeepTrack Space Brief
GAO flags growing cost problems across Space Force satellite portfolio with workforce reductions compounding risks to missile-warning constellations like NGG and SWAT.
Boeing Starliner Faces New Setbacks, Stranding NASA Astronauts on ISS
Boeing's Starliner spacecraft encounters thruster problems and helium leaks during its first crewed mission, potentially delaying the return of NASA astronauts from the International Space Station.
Pentagon Raises Golden Dome to $185B for Space Defense Layer | KeepTrack Space Brief
Pentagon increases Golden Dome missile defense budget by $10B to $185B, funding HBTSS hypersonic tracking constellation expansion. Three acceleration priorities announced.