Space Brief 14 Mar 2025
Today’s highlights include new defense initiatives in the U.S., potential strategic shifts in Europe, and the establishment of council to counter security threats.
NATO 3D (15391)
COSPAR: 1984-115A | Alt Name: NATO 3D
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 14, 1984
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC17A
Launch Vehicle
Delta 3914
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
15391
International Designator
1984-115A
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 20:56:54 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
14.28°
Right Ascension
355.27°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
130.93°
Period
1516.50 min
Mean Motion
0.95 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
NATO 3D
Alternative Name
NATO 3D
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
NICS
Country
North Atlantic Treaty Organization
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 15391U 84115A 26184.87285285 -.00000145 00000-0 00000-0 0 9995
2 15391 14.2770 355.2719 0099943 130.9341 260.9505 0.94955620148043
Source: Celestrak
Summary
NATO 3D is a military communication satellite launched on November 14, 1984, from LC17A at AFETR using a Delta 3914 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 2.9 meters in length and diameter, with a span of 2.9 meters and a dry mass of 287 kilograms. The satellite is equipped with two transponders operating in the 7 to 8 GHz frequency range and is powered by solar cells mounted on its body along with batteries. Manufactured by FORDA for NICS, NATO 3D has a NATO-3 Bus configuration and operates under the ownership of I-NATO. Its design includes a cylindrical shape with antennas and it was designed to last for seven years in orbit.
Physical Characteristics
Length
2.9
Diameter
2.2
Span
2.9
Dry Mass
287
Launch Mass
315
Shape
Cyl + Ant
Radar Cross Section
5.3202
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
NATO 3D
Purpose
Military communication
Mission
Military communication
Manufacturer
FORDA
Life Expectancy
7 years
Bus
NATO 3
Configuration
NATO-3 Bus
Motor
Star 27
Equipment
2 transponders operating in the 7 to 8 GHz region
Power System
Solar cells (body mounted), 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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