Geosynchronous Orbit (GEO)
Understanding the unique orbital sweet spot that keeps satellites perfectly positioned above Earth
GORIZONT 3 (11648)
COSPAR: 1979-105A | Alt Name: Gorizont
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 28, 1979
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC200/40
Launch Vehicle
Proton-K/DM
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
11648
International Designator
1979-105A
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 22:44:10 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
5.89°
Right Ascension
287.65°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
268.20°
Period
1436.90 min
Mean Motion
1.00 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
GORIZONT 3
Alternative Name
Gorizont
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
MSVYAZ
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 11648U 79105A 26184.94734770 .00000122 00000-0 00000-0 0 9999
2 11648 5.8872 287.6513 0011318 268.2020 119.0055 1.00216084122657
Source: Celestrak
Summary
GORIZONT 3, also known as Gorizont, is a communication satellite launched on December 28, 1979, from the Tyuratam Space Center (TYMSC) using a Proton-K/DM launch vehicle from launch pad LC200/40. The satellite has dimensions of 5.5 meters in length and 3.3 meters in diameter with a span of 9.5 meters. It was manufactured by NPOPM for MSVYAZ and carries the payload Gorizont No. 13L, featuring 6 C-band transponders and 1 Ku-band transponder. The satellite's dry mass is 2000 kg, while its launch mass was 2120 kg. It has a cylindrical shape with two panels and utilizes deployable solar arrays for power generation along with batteries. GORIZONT 3 had an operational lifetime of approximately three years.
Physical Characteristics
Length
5.5
Diameter
3.3
Span
9.5
Dry Mass
2000
Launch Mass
2120
Shape
Cyl + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
1.9952
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Gorizont No. 13L
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
NPOPM
Life Expectancy
3 years
Bus
Gorizont
Configuration
KAUR-3
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
6 C-band transponders, 1 Ku-band transponder
Power System
2 deployable solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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