Launch Date
August 21, 1972
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC36B
Launch Vehicle
Atlas SLV-3C Centaur
NORAD ID
06153
International Designator
1972-065A
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 21:37:33 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
35.01°
Right Ascension
258.31°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
175.71°
Period
98.62 min
Mean Motion
14.60 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Name
OAO 3 (COPERNICUS)
Alternative Name
Copernicus
Type
Status
Owner
GSFC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
1 06153U 72065A 26201.90107947 .00000142 00000+0 33409-4 0 9992
2 06153 35.0052 258.3054 0006455 175.7080 350.6615 14.60076568865678
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
4.9
Diameter
2
Span
5
Dry Mass
2177
Launch Mass
2177
Shape
Oct Cyl + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
6.42
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
OAO-C
Purpose
Astronomy, UV, X-ray
Mission
Astronomy, UV, X-ray
Manufacturer
GRUM
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
OAO
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
80-cm UV telescope, 3 X-ray telescopes
Power System
2 deployable fixed solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Today's space brief covers significant advancements in military counter-drone capabilities, workforce challenges in the Navy related to DOGE budget cuts, and highlights Germany's rise in defense spending. We also shine a spotlight on the communications satellite INTELSAT 901.
SpaceX shares jump 20% on first trading day after historic IPO. China launches tallest rocket while LandSpace preps second landing attempt. Tracking data.
SpaceX prepares for another Starlink launch today, following a successful deployment over the weekend from Florida's Space Coast.
Space Force confirmed 9 companies won orbital Air Moving Target Indication contracts. Capability shifts airborne surveillance to satellites for expanded coverage and survivability.
U.S. Space Force increased Andromeda contract ceiling to $6.2 billion for next-generation space situational awareness satellites replacing GSSAP and SILENTBARKER programs.
Today's highlights include China's launch of classified TJS-14 satellite, Boeing's defense program losses, and the fourth batch launch of Thousand Sails satellites.
Today's highlights include Space Force prioritizing military missions, testing new GPS satellite software, and international defense collaborations impacting space assets.
SpaceX successfully launched 29 Starlink satellites on the record-breaking 32nd flight of its Falcon 9 rocket. Elon Musk discusses a potential future as a Type II civilization, emphasizing the role of AI and satellite technology.
