ASTEX 1
ASTEX 1 is one of the historical or operational objects currently represented in the TransitSatellite catalog. Its NORAD identification allows the object's orbit to be tracked even when public mission documentation is limited, preserving a connection between the object seen on the globe and the launch history that placed it there.
Object identity
- NORAD ID
- 05560
- COSPAR ID
- 1971-089A
- Operator
- Not listed
- Country
- Not listed
- Launch date
- Not listed
Immediate discovery
Why this satellite matters
Every tracked object can still teach orbital mechanics. From altitude alone we can estimate circular-orbit speed and period, then compare that idealized result with the live trajectory shown in TransitSatellite.
Understanding the mission
Science and engineering ideas
Every tracked object can still teach orbital mechanics. From altitude alone we can estimate circular-orbit speed and period, then compare that idealized result with the live trajectory shown in TransitSatellite.
Mission
Mission and purpose
The current public orbital catalog identifies this object, but verified mission-specific information may be limited. TransitSatellite will expand this page when authoritative information is available.
- Every tracked object can still teach orbital mechanics. From altitude alone we can estimate circular-orbit speed and period, then compare that idealized result with the live trajectory shown in TransitSatellite.
Design
Engineering
Every tracked object can still teach orbital mechanics. From altitude alone we can estimate circular-orbit speed and period, then compare that idealized result with the live trajectory shown in TransitSatellite.
Real orbital values
The mathematics
The current two-line element set reports approximately 14.5091 revolutions per day. Dividing 1,440 minutes by that value gives an estimated orbital period of 99.2 minutes.
Period
99.2 min
Representative speed
26,972 km/h
Representative altitude
730 km
Inclination
92.71°
Launch record
Launch and deployment
The orbital catalog lists the launch designator as 1971-089A. A fully sourced launch story, launch vehicle, deployment sequence, historical weather, and documented delays have not yet been added to this page.
Orbit
LEO orbit explained
Low Earth orbit is the region closest to Earth used by most crewed spacecraft, many science missions, Earth-observation satellites, and large constellations. Objects move quickly and commonly complete an orbit in roughly 90 to 130 minutes.
LEO can provide detailed Earth views, lower communications delay, and easier access than higher orbits, but it covers less area per spacecraft and is more affected by atmospheric drag.
Live TransitSatellite experience
See ASTEX 1 moving now
Open the live tracker to view its current calculated position, trajectory, orbital information, visibility tools, and Save and Share controls.
Learning
Questions to explore
- What can an orbit tell us before the mission is fully identified?
- Why are stable catalog identifiers important?
Evidence
Sources and data notes
Current identity and orbital elements come from CelesTrak’s public GP data. Calculated orbit values are derived from the current TLE and may change after catalog updates. Mission-history claims are added separately and require authoritative sources.
Catalog updated
Sep 20, 2026, 8:00 AM UTC
Story review
1970-01-01T00:00:00.000Z