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INTELSAT 501 (12474)
COSPAR: 1981-050A | Alt Name: INTELSAT 501
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 23, 1981
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC36B
Launch Vehicle
Atlas SLV-3D Centaur
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
12474
International Designator
1981-050A
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 05:12:41 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
10.95°
Right Ascension
324.58°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
271.01°
Period
1456.70 min
Mean Motion
0.99 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
INTELSAT 501
Alternative Name
INTELSAT 501
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
INTEL
Country
INTELSAT
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 12474U 81050A 26185.21714398 -.00000229 00000-0 00000-0 0 9993
2 12474 10.9478 324.5832 0002807 271.0111 99.3562 0.98853555137841
Source: Celestrak
Summary
INTELSAT 501 is a communication satellite, also known as INTELSAT V F1, launched on May 23, 1981, from LC36B at the Air Force Eastern Test Range using an Atlas SLV-3D Centaur launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 6.4 meters in length and a diameter of 2 meters with a span of 15.9 meters when its solar arrays are deployed. The satellite is equipped with 21 C-band transponders and 4 Ku-band transponders, providing communication services with a dry mass of 775 kilograms and a launch mass of 945 kilograms. It was manufactured by FORDA and has a power system consisting of two deployable solar arrays and batteries. The satellite's design includes a box shape with two panels and it uses a Star 37F motor for its operations, operating for approximately 7 years post-launch.
Physical Characteristics
Length
6.4
Diameter
2
Span
15.9
Dry Mass
775
Launch Mass
945
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
3.981
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
INTELSAT V F1
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
FORDA
Life Expectancy
7 years
Bus
FS INTELSAT 5
Configuration
Intelsat-5 bus
Motor
Star 37F
Equipment
21 C-band transponders, 4 Ku-band transponders
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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