Space Brief 16 Dec 2024
Today's briefing covers the ULA's military application for Vulcan's upper stage, FAA's efforts to expedite launch licensing, and a fascinating flyby of Mercury by BepiColombo.
INTELSAT 503 (12994)
COSPAR: 1981-119A | Alt Name: INTELSAT 503
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 15, 1981
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC36A
Launch Vehicle
Atlas SLV-3D Centaur
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
12994
International Designator
1981-119A
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 03:35:08 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
11.24°
Right Ascension
327.00°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
268.14°
Period
1447.67 min
Mean Motion
0.99 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
INTELSAT 503
Alternative Name
INTELSAT 503
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
INTEL
Country
INTELSAT
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 12994U 81119A 26185.14940372 -.00000185 00000-0 00000-0 0 9992
2 12994 11.2358 326.9996 0047442 268.1425 92.4832 0.99469845126876
Source: Celestrak
Summary
INTELSAT 503, also known as INTELSAT V F3, is a communication satellite with a NORAD catalog ID of 12994 and an OBJECT_ID of 1981-119A. Launched on December 15, 1981, from Launch Pad LC36A at the Atlantic Missile Range using an Atlas SLV-3D Centaur launch vehicle, it has a configuration based on the Intelsat-5 bus. The satellite measures 6.4 meters in length and 2 meters in diameter, with a span of 15.6 meters. It carries 21 C-band transponders and 4 Ku-band transponders for its mission operations. Its dry mass is 775 kg, while the launch mass was 1004 kg. The satellite's power system consists of two deployable solar arrays and batteries. INTELSAT 503, manufactured by FORDA, has a lifetime of 7 years and is owned by INTEL. Its shape is described as "Box + 2 Pan" with an RCS value of 5.1167.
Physical Characteristics
Length
6.4
Diameter
2
Span
15.6
Dry Mass
775
Launch Mass
1004
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
5.1167
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
INTELSAT V F3
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 23 Nov 2024
Today's highlights include Canada's and Australia's investment in hypersonic defense, China's successful test of an inflatable space module, and Sweden's support of Ukrainian missile and drone production.
Space Force Reassigns GPS III to Falcon 9 After Vulcan Grounding | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force shifts GPS III satellite launch from ULA's Vulcan to SpaceX Falcon 9 due to persistent solid rocket booster issues. Critical navigation asset reassignment signals operational consequences.
X Report 13 Jul 2025
SpaceX successfully launched an Israeli satellite and remains on track for its upcoming Crew-11 mission while continuing to engage in mystery satellite launches.
SpaceX Launches 29 Starlink Satellites From Cape Canaveral | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX deploys 29 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral on the Starlink 6-100 mission. Falcon 9 lifted off at 6:31 p.m. EST continuing SpaceX's dominant satellite internet market position.
X Report 10 Sep 2025
SpaceX makes strides with United States national security satellites, securing substantial spectrum for Starlink's direct-to-cell services, and preparing for future Starship developments.
Space Brief 14 Nov 2024
Today's brief covers potential shifts in Space Force's strategy, new milestones in military satellite programs, and advancements in ground systems for missile defense. We'll also highlight Rocket Lab's latest contract win and critical design reviews in drone technology.
10 Surprising Facts About SpaceX
Discover lesser-known aspects of SpaceX's history, achievements, and innovations that have shaped the commercial space industry over the past two decades.