Space Brief 15 Nov 2025
Today's highlights include recent missile deals impacting military satellite launches, a Navy salvage operation in the South China Sea, and defense updates from the Manama Dialogue 2025.
METEOR 3-4 (21232)
COSPAR: 1991-030A | Alt Name: Meteor-3
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 24, 1991
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC32/2
Launch Vehicle
Tsiklon-3
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
21232
International Designator
1991-030A
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 06:13:15 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
82.54°
Right Ascension
172.25°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
113.72°
Period
109.36 min
Mean Motion
13.17 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
METEOR 3-4
Alternative Name
Meteor-3
Type
Payload
Status
Unknown
Owner
RGMS
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 21232U 91030A 26185.25921047 .00000190 00000-0 46222-3 0 9994
2 21232 82.5423 172.2512 0014162 113.7244 258.7870 13.16701461691353
Source: Celestrak
Summary
METEOR 3-4, also known as Meteor-3, is a meteorological satellite that was launched on April 24, 1991, from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome Launch Pad LC32/2 using the Tsiklon-3 launch vehicle. It has a cylindrical body with two pans and measures 6.5 meters in length and 2.4 meters in diameter, with a span of 12.7 meters due to its solar arrays. The satellite was manufactured by VNIEM and operated for approximately two years on behalf of RGMS. Weighing 2,250 kilograms at launch, it uses deployable solar arrays and batteries for power. Its primary mission is meteorology, contributing to weather observation and forecasting.
Physical Characteristics
Length
6.5
Diameter
2.4
Span
12.7
Dry Mass
2250
Launch Mass
2250
Shape
Cyl + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
6.3715
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Meteor-3 No. 6
Purpose
Meteorology
Mission
Meteorology
Manufacturer
VNIEM
Life Expectancy
2 years
Bus
Meteor-3
Configuration
SP-2 bus
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 11 Sep 2024
A recap of notable space events including the Soyuz MS-26 launch to the ISS, Polaris Dawn's altitude achievement, and satellite tracking updates.
Space Brief 18 Nov 2025
Key updates on strategic military shifts, technological advancements, and a critical replacement mission for Chinese astronauts highlight today's space news.
Space Brief 25 May 2025
Today's brief covers crucial developments in satellite technology and operations, including new Starlink launches, groundbreaking satellite data on flood waves, and pivotal changes in South African telecom policy driven by Starlink.
X Report 18 Jun 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites while preparing for the upcoming Ax-4 mission to the ISS. Significant progress continues in their ongoing space endeavors.
X Report 7 Dec 2024
SpaceX celebrates 300 successful booster landings, further solidifying its dominance in reusable rocket technology.
Space Brief 30 Aug 2025
Today's briefing covers the latest satellite communications advancements, a secretive military launch by SpaceX, and new space defense organizational structures.
Blue Origin's New Glenn Explodes During Ground Test | KeepTrack Space Brief
Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket exploded during ground testing May 28, visible from hundreds of miles across Florida. Fireball halts vehicle pending failure investigation.