Space Brief 16 Aug 2025
Today's brief covers ULA's new mission for the US Space Force, China's moon rocket test, delays in the DARC radar system, and SpaceX's Starlink launches.
BRASILSAT 2 (16650)
COSPAR: 1986-026B | Alt Name: Brasilsat 2
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 28, 1986
Launch Site
FRGUI
Launch Pad
ELA2
Launch Vehicle
Ariane 3
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
16650
International Designator
1986-026B
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 20:44:04 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
14.53°
Right Ascension
350.29°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
344.98°
Period
1445.17 min
Mean Motion
1.00 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
BRASILSAT 2
Alternative Name
Brasilsat 2
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
EMBR
Country
Brazil
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 16650U 86026B 26184.86393521 -.00000332 00000-0 00000-0 0 9997
2 16650 14.5253 350.2910 0002541 344.9758 21.4880 0.99642488 46555
Source: Celestrak
Summary
BRASILSAT 2 was a communication satellite launched on March 28, 1986, by EMBR from ELA2 launch pad at FRGUI using an Ariane 3 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measured 7.1 meters in length and had a diameter of 2.2 meters with a span of 7.1 meters. It weighed 583 kilograms dry and had a launch mass of 652 kilograms. Equipped with 24 (+6) C-band transponders, the satellite was designed for an 8-year lifespan but operated successfully for 17 years. The power system included solar cells mounted on its body and drop-skirt along with batteries. Manufactured by HSES in Brazil, BRASILSAT 2 had a cylindrical shape with an RCS of 9.3823 square meters. Its mission was to provide communication services using the SBTS 2 payload.
Physical Characteristics
Length
7.1
Diameter
2.2
Span
7.1
Dry Mass
583
Launch Mass
652
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
9.3823
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
SBTS 2
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
HSES
Life Expectancy
8 years (design); 17 years (#A1, reached)
Bus
HS-376
Configuration
HS-376
Motor
TE-M-700-17
Equipment
24 (+6) C-band transponders
Power System
Solar cells (body mounted and drop-skirt), batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
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.
X Report 25 Apr 2025
SpaceX launches Starlink satellites successfully, while Starbase inches closer to city status and business discussions intensify.
Space Brief 24 Sep 2025
Key highlights on China's reusable rocket developments, U.S. military's Tranche 1 satellite launch, Space Force's weapons acquisition strategies, and more.
X Report 5 Jun 2025
SpaceX celebrates significant milestones with its 500th Falcon launch and the continued expansion of Starlink connectivity.
GAO Warns Space Force Satellite Costs Rising, Workforce Cuts Add Risk | KeepTrack Space Brief
GAO flags growing cost problems across Space Force satellite portfolio with workforce reductions compounding risks to missile-warning constellations like NGG and SWAT.
Starship V3 Debuts on Flight 12 May 20 | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's first Starship V3 launches May 20 on Flight 12, as Starlink's 10,354 active sats force a historic carrier alliance.
Space Brief 16 May 2025
Today's brief covers challenges in Space Force procurement, promising developments in tracking technologies, and significant budget cuts affecting military aerospace projects.
Space Brief 2 Dec 2025
Today's brief covers China's classified Shijian-28 satellite launch, AI-designed spacecraft records, and upcoming global launch activities.