OPTUS A2 (AUSSAT 2) (16275)

COSPAR: 1985-109C | Alt Name: Aussat K2

Image
OPTUS A2 (AUSSAT 2) Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

November 27, 1985

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Space Shuttle

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

16275

International Designator

1985-109C

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 00:30:39 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

13.35°

Right Ascension

340.01°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

320.76°

Period

1440.97 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

OPTUS A2 (AUSSAT 2)

Alternative Name

Aussat K2

Type

Payload

Status

Unknown

Owner

AUSS

Country

Australia

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 16275U 85109C   26185.02128571  .00000042  00000-0  00000-0 0  9998
2 16275  13.3471 340.0129 0003839 320.7564  54.5991  0.99932715 46706

Source: Celestrak

Summary
OPTUS A2 (AUSSAT 2), also known as Aussat K2, is an Australian communication satellite launched on November 27, 1985, from Kennedy Space Center's LC39A pad aboard a Space Shuttle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 6.6 meters in length and 2.2 meters in diameter with a span of 6.3 meters. It was manufactured by HSES and equipped with 15 Ku-band transponders operating at 14/12 GHz for its communication mission. With a dry mass of 433 kg and a launch mass of 566 kg, the satellite uses solar cells (body mounted and drop-skirt) along with batteries for power supply. Its shape is described as Cyl + 2 Dish, and it was designed to operate for approximately 7 years in orbit.
Physical Characteristics

Length

6.6

Diameter

2.2

Span

6.3

Dry Mass

433

Launch Mass

566

Shape

Cyl + 2 Dish

Radar Cross Section

0.7943

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Aussat K2

Purpose

Communication

Mission

Communication

Manufacturer

HSES

Life Expectancy

7 years

Bus

HS-376

Configuration

HS-376

Motor

TE-M-700-17

Equipment

15 Ku-band transponders operating at 14/12 GHz

Power System

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

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

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