Space Brief 30 Sep 2025
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SATCOM 3R (12967)
COSPAR: 1981-114A | Alt Name: Satcom 3R
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 20, 1981
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC17A
Launch Vehicle
Delta 3910/PAM
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
12967
International Designator
1981-114A
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:51:49 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
12.07°
Right Ascension
331.79°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
326.52°
Period
1438.27 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
SATCOM 3R
Alternative Name
Satcom 3R
Type
Payload
Status
Unknown
Owner
AMC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 12967U 81114A 26185.11932508 .00000110 00000-0 00000-0 0 9993
2 12967 12.0702 331.7923 0003531 326.5202 227.3178 1.00120224128237
Source: Celestrak
Summary
SATCOM 3R is a communication satellite, also known as 1981-114A, launched by the United States on November 20, 1981, from Launch Pad LC17A at AFETR using a Delta 3910/PAM launch vehicle. Built by RCA for AMC (American Mobile Communications), it has a configuration of AS-3000 and is equipped with 24 C-band transponders as its payload. The satellite's dimensions are 1.3 meters in length, diameter, and span out to 11.3 meters when fully deployed. It weighs 577 kilograms at launch and has a dry mass of 554 kilograms. Its power system includes two deployable solar arrays and batteries. SATCOM 3R was designed for a mission lifetime of around 8 years.
Physical Characteristics
Length
1.3
Diameter
1.3
Span
11.3
Dry Mass
554
Launch Mass
577
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
2.5119
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
RCA-D
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
RCA
Life Expectancy
7 years (#1, 2); 8 years (#3, 3R, 4)
Bus
Satcom
Configuration
AS-3000
Motor
TE-M-700-8
Equipment
24 C-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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