NOAA 12 (21263)

COSPAR: 1991-032A | Alt Name: NOAA 12

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

May 14, 1991

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC3W

Launch Vehicle

Atlas E

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

21263

International Designator

1991-032A

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 05:44:48 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

98.62°

Right Ascension

173.49°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

343.74°

Period

100.93 min

Mean Motion

14.27 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot

3D Visualization

Basic Satellite Info

Name

NOAA 12

Alternative Name

NOAA 12

Type

Payload

Status

Non-operational

Owner

NOAA

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 21263U 91032A   26185.23944936  .00000097  00000-0  58237-4 0  9996

2 21263  98.6211 173.4929 0013309 343.7406  16.3346 14.26748165827397

Source: Celestrak

Summary

NOAA 12 is a meteorology satellite, also known by its OBJECT_ID 1991-032A and NORAD_CAT_ID 21263, launched on May 14, 1991, from AFWTR using an Atlas E launch vehicle from SLC3W. It was manufactured by GEEW for the US owner NOAA. The satellite is equipped with a TIROS-N Bus configuration and measures 3.7 meters in length, 1.9 meters in diameter, and has a span of 4.9 meters. Its dry mass is 685 kilograms, which matches its launch mass. It features deployable solar arrays for power generation along with batteries. The satellite's design includes a box shape with a pan configuration and an RCS value of 2.9934. NOAA 12 was part of the TIROS program and had a minimum lifetime of two years in orbit.

Physical Characteristics

Length

3.7

Diameter

1.9

Span

4.9

Dry Mass

685

Launch Mass

685

Shape

Box + Pan

Radar Cross Section

2.9934

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

NOAA D

Purpose

Meteorology

Mission

Meteorology

Manufacturer

GEEW

Life Expectancy

2 years minimum

Bus

Tiros N

Configuration

TIROS-N Bus

Motor

Star-37S / ISS (#8 - 14)

Equipment

Power System

Deployable solar array, batteries

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.

Latitude

Longitude

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 21 Sep 2025

Today's Space Brief covers a significant signals intelligence launch, a record-breaking satellite deployment in China, a glimpse into the newest stealth drone, a potential delay for NASA's lunar lander, and more exciting updates from satellite world.

SpaceX Launches Third GPS Satellite Reassigned From ULA | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX successfully launches GPS satellite for Space Force — third consecutive GPS mission switched from ULA. EBAD demonstrates payload release module on Falcon 9 rideshare mission.

Space Brief 2 Dec 2025

Today's brief covers China's classified Shijian-28 satellite launch, AI-designed spacecraft records, and upcoming global launch activities.

X Report 19 Mar 2025

SpaceX safely returns Crew-9 from ISS, launches new Starlink satellites, and showcases its satellite kit production capabilities.

Rheinmetall Weighs Bid for Mynaric Amid Rocket Lab Acquisition | KeepTrack Space Brief

German defense giant Rheinmetall may bid for laser-comm firm Mynaric, challenging Rocket Lab's plans. SpaceX sets Falcon 9 reuse record. Juno reveals Europa ice sheet data.

Space Brief 9 Sep 2025

Explore the latest advancements in satellite technology, military satellite applications, and collaborative efforts in hypersonic vehicle tracking. Discover the transformative power of new deals shaping global communication networks.

Starship Flight 13 Set for July 16, Will Deploy Live Starlinks | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX targets July 16 for Starship Flight 13, testing V3 fixes and deploying functioning Starlink satellites for the first time.

Geosynchronous Orbit (GEO)

Understanding the unique orbital sweet spot that keeps satellites perfectly positioned above Earth