GALAXY 3 (G-3) (15308)

COSPAR: 1984-101A | Alt Name: Galaxy 3

Image
GALAXY 3 (G-3) Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

September 21, 1984

Launch Pad

LC17B

Launch Vehicle

Delta 3920/PAM

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

15308

International Designator

1984-101A

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 03:41:37 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

14.09°

Right Ascension

344.98°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

47.19°

Period

1442.26 min

Mean Motion

1.00 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info

Name

GALAXY 3 (G-3)

Alternative Name

Galaxy 3

Type

Payload

Status

Non-operational

Owner

HCI

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 15308U 84101A   26185.15391041  .00000012  00000-0  00000-0 0  9990
2 15308  14.0891 344.9768 0005071  47.1897 320.6826  0.99843446 46657

Source: Celestrak

Summary
GALAXY 3 (G-3), also known as Galaxy 3, is a communication satellite launched by HCI on September 21, 1984, from LC17B at AFETR using the Delta 3920/PAM launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 6.6 meters in length and diameter, and weighs 507 kilograms dry with an initial launch mass of 603 kilograms. The satellite is equipped with a configuration and bus type HS-376, manufactured by HSES, and features 24 (+6) C-band transponders for communication purposes. It uses solar cells mounted on the body and drop-skirt along with batteries for power supply. GALAXY 3 has a cylindrical shape with a radar cross-section (RCS) of 3.7869 square meters, serving as part of its communication mission in space.
Physical Characteristics

Length

6.6

Diameter

2.2

Span

6.6

Dry Mass

507

Launch Mass

603

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

3.7869

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Galaxy III

Purpose

Communication

Mission

Communication

Manufacturer

HSES

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

HS-376

Configuration

HS-376

Motor

TE-M-700-5

Equipment

24 (+6) C-band transponders

Power System

Solar cells (body mounted and drop-skirt), batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Map
This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.
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 1 Dec 2025

Space Brief 1 Dec 2025

Today's brief covers China's latest classified satellite launch, breakups in orbital refueling experiments, exciting advancements in microsatellites, and SpaceX's remarkable strides in spaceflight.

Space Brief 30 Aug 2025

Space Brief 30 Aug 2025

Today's briefing covers the latest satellite communications advancements, a secretive military launch by SpaceX, and new space defense organizational structures.

Vulcan Grounding Threatens WGS-11 and OPIR Launches | KeepTrack Space Brief

Vulcan Grounding Threatens WGS-11 and OPIR Launches | KeepTrack Space Brief

ULA's Vulcan rocket grounded, imperiling Space Force WGS-11 communications satellite and Next-Gen OPIR missile warning payload. Both missions lack backup launch options.

X Report 9 Dec 2024

X Report 9 Dec 2024

SpaceX's latest Starlink satellite launch boosts their constellation and Starship development progresses steadily.

X Report 17 Dec 2025

X Report 17 Dec 2025

SpaceX prepares for a busy launch schedule with key upgrades at Starbase and notable Starlink missions. Recent close approaches in orbit underscore the complexities of satellite operations.

SpaceX Hits 600th Falcon 9 Launch, ISS Crew Restored to Seven | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX Hits 600th Falcon 9 Launch, ISS Crew Restored to Seven | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX launches 600th Falcon 9 rocket with Starlink 17-13 mission. Crew Dragon docks at ISS restoring crew to seven. Crew-12 launched on Friday the 13th in a first for NASA.

SpaceX Launches GPS Satellite in Third Mission Reassigned From ULA | KeepTrack Space Brief

SpaceX Launches GPS Satellite in Third Mission Reassigned From ULA | KeepTrack Space Brief

SpaceX launches GPS satellite for Space Force — third consecutive GPS mission reassigned from ULA. Space Force nears selection of next-gen GEO spy satellite contractors. Northwood Space lands $49M deal.

Space Brief 9 May 2025

Space Brief 9 May 2025

Today's briefing covers new satellite projects, military tech advancements, and insights into missile defense strategies. Discover partnerships in satellite design and exciting developments in space military technology.