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SUPERBIRD-A (20040)
COSPAR: 1989-041A | Alt Name: Superbird A
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 5, 1989
Launch Site
FRGUI
Launch Pad
ELA2
Launch Vehicle
Ariane 44L
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
20040
International Designator
1989-041A
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:23:36 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
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Inclination
12.16°
Right Ascension
332.20°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
127.16°
Period
1443.49 min
Mean Motion
1.00 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SUPERBIRD-A
Alternative Name
Superbird A
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
SCC
Country
Japan
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 20040U 89041A 26185.18306340 -.00000199 00000-0 00000-0 0 9995
2 20040 12.1579 332.2002 0003915 127.1600 51.1213 0.99757946134636
Source: Celestrak
Summary
SUPERBIRD-A (also known as Superbird A) is a communication satellite launched on June 5, 1989, from ELA2 at FRGUI using the Ariane 44L launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 2.4 meters in length and has a diameter of 2.2 meters with a span of 20.3 meters. It was manufactured by FORDA and operated by SCC for a mission duration of 10 years. SUPERBIRD-A weighs 2,489 kilograms at launch and has a dry mass of 1,220 kilograms. Its equipment includes 23 Ku-band transponders, 3 Ka-band transponders, and 2 X-band transponders. The satellite is powered by two deployable solar arrays and batteries. It has an RCS (Reaction Control System) area of 4.4136 square meters and a box shape with two panels for its configuration.
Physical Characteristics
Length
2.4
Diameter
2.2
Span
20.3
Dry Mass
1220
Launch Mass
2489
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
4.4136
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Superbird A
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
FORDA
Life Expectancy
10 years
Bus
FS-1300
Configuration
SSL-1300
Motor
R-4D-11
Equipment
23 Ku-band transponders, 3 Ka-band transponders, 2 X-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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