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ARABSAT-1A (15560)
COSPAR: 1985-015A | Alt Name: Arabsat 1A
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 8, 1985
Launch Site
FRGUI
Launch Pad
ELA1
Launch Vehicle
Ariane 3
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
15560
International Designator
1985-015A
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 00:28:31 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
11.82°
Right Ascension
331.16°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
235.43°
Period
1437.79 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
ARABSAT-1A
Alternative Name
Arabsat 1A
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
ARAB
Country
Arabsat
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 15560U 85015A 26185.01981236 .00000069 00000-0 00000-0 0 9993
2 15560 11.8195 331.1571 0030959 235.4329 140.6316 1.00153738126186
Source: Celestrak
Summary
ARABSAT-1A is a communication satellite launched on February 8, 1985, from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana using an Ariane 3 launch vehicle. The spacecraft, manufactured by AESPC and based on the Spacebus-1000 configuration, measures 2.3 meters in length, has a diameter of 1.5 meters, and spans 20.7 meters when its solar arrays are deployed. It had a launch mass of 1200 kilograms and operated with a dry mass of 589 kilograms. Equipped with 25 C-band transponders and 2 S-band transponders, ARABSAT-1A provided communication services for the Arab Satellite Communications Organization (ARAB). The satellite's power system includes two deployable solar arrays and batteries to ensure continuous operation. With a designed lifetime of 7 years, its primary purpose was to enhance telecommunications capabilities across the Middle East and North Africa region.
Physical Characteristics
Length
2.3
Diameter
1.5
Span
20.7
Dry Mass
589
Launch Mass
1200
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
3.166
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Arabsat 1A
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
AESPC
Life Expectancy
7 years
Bus
Spacebus 100
Configuration
Spacebus-1000
Motor
R-4D-11
Equipment
25 C-band transponders, 2 S-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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