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FLTSATCOM 8 (USA 46) (20253)
COSPAR: 1989-077A | Alt Name: FLTSATCOM F8
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 25, 1989
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC36B
Launch Vehicle
Atlas G Centaur
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
20253
International Designator
1989-077A
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 20:46:12 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
12.42°
Right Ascension
351.06°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
62.88°
Period
1436.14 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
FLTSATCOM 8 (USA 46)
Alternative Name
FLTSATCOM F8
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPAWAR
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 20253U 89077A 26184.86542682 -.00000359 00000-0 00000-0 0 9993
2 20253 12.4167 351.0631 0003752 62.8801 305.2212 1.00268848260736
Source: Celestrak
Summary
FLTSATCOM 8 (USA 46), also known as FLTSATCOM F8, is a communication satellite launched on September 25, 1989, from LC36B at AFETR using an Atlas G Centaur launch vehicle. Built by TRW for the SPAWAR, it has dimensions of 1.3 meters in length, 2.4 meters in diameter, and a span of 13.2 meters. The satellite weighs 822 kg dry with a launch mass of 957 kg. It is equipped with 12 transponders featuring UHF/SHF uplink and UHF downlink capabilities, along with an experimental EHF package. Power is supplied by two deployable solar arrays and batteries. The satellite's shape consists of a hexagonal cylinder with dishes and two pans. Its mission is to provide communication services, and it has an operational lifetime of 12 years.
Physical Characteristics
Length
1.3
Diameter
2.4
Span
13.2
Dry Mass
822
Launch Mass
957
Shape
Hex Cyl + Dish + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
32.5418
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
FLTSATCOM F8
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
TRW
Life Expectancy
12 years
Bus
FLTSATCOM
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Star 37FM
Equipment
12 transponders with UHF/SHF uplink and UHF downlink, experimental EHF package
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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