GOES 3 (10953)

COSPAR: 1978-062A | Alt Name: GOES 3

Image
GOES 3 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

June 16, 1978

Launch Pad

LC17B

Launch Vehicle

Delta 2914

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

10953

International Designator

1978-062A

Epoch

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 21:46:11 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

6.87°

Right Ascension

299.26°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

302.06°

Period

1449.25 min

Mean Motion

0.99 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info

Name

GOES 3

Alternative Name

GOES 3

Type

Payload

Status

Non-operational

Owner

NOAA

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 10953U 78062A   26184.90708108 -.00000255  00000-0  00000-0 0  9998
2 10953   6.8659 299.2555 0000766 302.0614 127.4740  0.99361963128705

Source: Celestrak

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

2.6

Diameter

1.9

Span

2.6

Dry Mass

273

Launch Mass

293

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

3.0518

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

GOES C

Purpose

Meteorology

Mission

Meteorology

Manufacturer

FORDA

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

SMS

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

SVM-5

Equipment

?

Power System

Solar cells, batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Map
This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

Space Brief 23 Oct 2025

Space Brief 23 Oct 2025

Today's updates cover Vantor's satellites overcoming tracking challenges, a startup's ambitious missile defense test, and more pivotal space events.

X Report 21 Jan 2025

X Report 21 Jan 2025

SpaceX successfully launches 21 Starlink satellites, marking their return post-Starship explosion. Starship's recent test flight leaves debris washing ashore, while Blue Origin's New Glenn debut sparks discussion.

Space Force Raises Andromeda Contract to $6.2B for SSA Satellites | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force Raises Andromeda Contract to $6.2B for SSA Satellites | KeepTrack Space Brief

U.S. Space Force increased Andromeda contract ceiling to $6.2 billion for next-generation space situational awareness satellites replacing GSSAP and SILENTBARKER programs.

Vulcan Centaur Launches GSSAP Surveillance Satellites for Space Force | KeepTrack Space Brief

Vulcan Centaur Launches GSSAP Surveillance Satellites for Space Force | KeepTrack Space Brief

ULA Vulcan Centaur launches USSF-87 with two GSSAP surveillance satellites to near-GEO orbit. NRO expands commercial imaging. Integrate raises $17M for classified platform.

Space Force Stands Up SPACEFOR-NORTH for Homeland Defense | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force Stands Up SPACEFOR-NORTH for Homeland Defense | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force inaugurates SPACEFOR-NORTH at Peterson SFB for homeland defense. Viridian inks AFRL satellite agreement. HASC chair seeks $450B defense fund.

X Report 27 May 2025

X Report 27 May 2025

Today marks a significant day for SpaceX as the company prepares for the 9th test flight of its Starship-Super Heavy rocket, alongside a successful launch of 24 Starlink satellites to polar orbit.

X Report 9 Dec 2025

X Report 9 Dec 2025

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.

X Report 25 Sep 2025

X Report 25 Sep 2025

SpaceX continues to make strides with multiple launches, including 28 Starlink satellites and NASA's IMAP mission, highlighting its ongoing role in advancing space weather research.