GOES 3 AKM (20801)

COSPAR: 1978-062D | Alt Name: SVM-5

Image
GOES 3 AKM Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

June 16, 1978

Launch Pad

LC17B

Launch Vehicle

Delta 2914

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

20801

International Designator

1978-062D

Epoch

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:08:00 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

6.41°

Right Ascension

284.51°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

93.80°

Period

1447.52 min

Mean Motion

0.99 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info

Name

GOES 3 AKM

Alternative Name

SVM-5

Type

Rocket Body

Status

Space Junk

Owner

GSFC

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 20801U 78062D   26183.54723291 -.00000044  00000-0  00000+0 0  9995
2 20801   6.4112 284.5126 0104629  93.7997 281.9466  0.99480297 47129

Source: Celestrak

Summary
A rocket body, also commonly referred to as an upper stage or spent rocket stage, is the structural shell left behind after a rocket has delivered its payload to orbit. These large and often heavy pieces of space hardware can remain in orbit for years, posing significant collision hazards as part of the growing space debris problem. If left uncontrolled, rocket bodies have the potential to reenter Earth's atmosphere unpredictably, which can lead to falling debris in populated areas. Additionally, they risk colliding with operational satellites or the International Space Station, creating more debris and putting human life at risk.
Physical Characteristics

Length

0.9

Diameter

0.8

Span

0.9

Dry Mass

31

Launch Mass

335

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

0.4472

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

SVM-5

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

AJ

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

SVM

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

SVM-5

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Unknown

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Map
This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.
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 3 Jul 2025

X Report 3 Jul 2025

In a landmark achievement, SpaceX celebrated its 500th Falcon 9 launch by deploying 27 Starlink satellites while simultaneously advancing its reuse strategy with record-breaking milestones.

10,374 Starlink Satellites in Orbit, X Report 6 May 2026

10,374 Starlink Satellites in Orbit, X Report 6 May 2026

Starlink satellites in orbit May 2026: 10,374, with 10,358 working. Mission 17-29 lifts 24 more from Vandenberg and a satellite films the Starlink train.

Space Brief 23 Jan 2025

Space Brief 23 Jan 2025

Today's briefing covers the U.S. Space Force's substantial investments in commercial satellite services, a strategic military shift, Chinese space station upgrades, and NASA's policy changes.

Space Brief 29 Jun 2025

Space Brief 29 Jun 2025

Today's space brief covers SpaceX's new contract with the U.S. Space Force, multiple Starlink launches, Rocket Lab's rapid launch success, and the final mission of Japan's H-IIA rocket.

Space Brief 18 Jul 2025

Space Brief 18 Jul 2025

Today's highlights include Space Force prioritizing military missions, testing new GPS satellite software, and international defense collaborations impacting space assets.

Space Brief 2 Sep 2024

Space Brief 2 Sep 2024

Key topics: SpaceX resumes Falcon 9 launches, mysterious Starliner sounds, and upcoming space policy events. Detailed tracking info for EGYPTSAT A.

The End of Free Skies | FAA Starts Charging for Rocket Launches

The End of Free Skies | FAA Starts Charging for Rocket Launches

On April 22, 2026, the FAA published a final rule implementing per-launch user fees for commercial space transportation — the first time the U.S. government has charged payload-based fees for rocket launches. Starting at 25 cents per pound with a $30,000 cap, the fees are modest today. By 2033, they won't be.

X Report 18 Nov 2025

X Report 18 Nov 2025

SpaceX successfully launched the Sentinel-6B satellite to monitor global sea levels while resuming daytime rocket launches. Furthermore, delays in the Starship timeline impact NASA's Artemis 3 mission schedule.