X Report 26 Apr 2025
SpaceX launches 28 Starlink satellites and discusses upcoming business strategies, while T-Mobile slashes Starlink cellular prices.
PALAPA B2 (14692)
COSPAR: 1984-011D | Alt Name: Palapa B2
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 3, 1984
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Space Shuttle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
14692
International Designator
1984-011D
Decay Date
11/16/1984
Basic Satellite Info
Name
PALAPA B2
Alternative Name
Palapa B2
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
PER
Country
Indonesia
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
PALAPA B2 is a communication satellite launched by Indonesia (ID) on February 3, 1984, from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center using the Space Shuttle as its launch vehicle. It has a cylindrical shape with dimensions of 6.5 meters in length and diameter, and it spans 6.5 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 500 kilograms while it weighed 660 kilograms at launch. It was manufactured by HSES (Hughes Space and Communications Company) and equipped with 24 C-band transponders for communication purposes. Power is supplied through solar cells mounted on the body and drop-skirt, along with batteries. The satellite's radar cross-section (RCS) is recorded as 7.7868 square meters.
Physical Characteristics
Length
6.5
Diameter
2.2
Span
6.5
Dry Mass
500
Launch Mass
660
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
7.7868
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Palapa B2
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
HSES
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
HS-376
Configuration
HS-376
Motor
TE-M-700-5
Equipment
24 C-band transponders
Power System
Solar cells (body mounted and drop-skirt), batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 6 Nov 2024
Discover the latest in satellite technology with the launch of the world's first wooden satellite, new test materials for the ISS, and significant developments in orbital space debris.
X Report 26 Mar 2025
SpaceX's Starlink dish offers gigabit speeds, boosting competitiveness; NRO taps SpaceX for satellite launches, expanding spy satellite network.
The International Scientific Optical Network (ISON)
How a controversial telescope network has become a significant player in tracking the increasingly crowded orbital environment, raising important questions about transparency, dual-use technologies, and the future of space situational awareness.
X Report 27 Apr 2025
SpaceX gears up for two major Starlink launches, while regulatory challenges slow progress in India.
X Report 22 Mar 2025
SpaceX achieves its 450th Falcon 9 launch, setting a new turnaround record, while its competitor ULA remains grounded, awaiting clearance from the Space Force.
ULA Launches 29 Amazon Kuiper Satellites; Falcon Heavy Returns | KeepTrack Space Brief
ULA's Atlas V deployed 29 Amazon Kuiper LEO satellites on April 27. Falcon Heavy returns this week with ViaSat-3 F3. Six orbital launches scheduled across three continents.
X Report 24 Nov 2024
SpaceX cancels Texas land-swap deal amid growing Starship presence and launches 20 Starlink satellites using the 400th Falcon 9 rocket.