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SBS-6 (20872)
COSPAR: 1990-091A | Alt Name: SBS 6
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 12, 1990
Launch Site
FRGUI
Launch Pad
ELA2
Launch Vehicle
Ariane 44L
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
20872
International Designator
1990-091A
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 16:39:21 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
12.66°
Right Ascension
28.67°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
135.73°
Period
1454.65 min
Mean Motion
0.99 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
SBS-6
Alternative Name
SBS 6
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
HCI
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 20872U 90091A 26184.69399519 .00000007 00000-0 00000-0 0 9997
2 20872 12.6627 28.6740 0006643 135.7333 219.4373 0.98992560 46250
Source: Celestrak
Summary
SBS-6, also known as SBS 6, is a communication satellite identified by NORAD CAT ID 20872 and OBJECT ID 1990-091A. It was launched on October 12, 1990, from the ELA2 launch pad at FRGUI using an Ariane 44L vehicle. Manufactured by HSES for HCI, SBS-6 has a cylindrical shape with dimensions of 10 meters in length and 3.6 meters in diameter, equipped with 30 Ku-band transponders. The satellite's dry mass is 1138 kg, with a launch mass of 2478 kg. It is powered by solar cells mounted on its body and drop-skirts along with batteries, and uses R-4D-12 x2 motors for propulsion. SBS-6 has an expected lifetime of 10 years and serves communication purposes.
Physical Characteristics
Length
10
Diameter
3.6
Span
10
Dry Mass
1138
Launch Mass
2478
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
24.5927
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
SBS 6
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
HSES
Life Expectancy
10 years
Bus
HS-393
Configuration
HS-393
Motor
R-4D-12 x2
Equipment
30 Ku-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
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