Gunter's Space Page
Why this unassuming website has become the backbone of space research for enthusiasts and professionals alike
MICROSAT 3 (21582)
COSPAR: 1991-051C | Alt Name: Microsat 3
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 17, 1991
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
RW04/22
Launch Vehicle
Pegasus/HAPS
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
21582
International Designator
1991-051C
Decay Date
1/24/1992
Basic Satellite Info
Name
MICROSAT 3
Alternative Name
Microsat 3
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
DARPA
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
MICROSAT 3, also known as Microsat 3, is an experimental communication satellite launched on July 17, 1991, from AFWTR using a Pegasus/HAPS launch vehicle from Launch Pad RW04/22. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 0.5 meters in both diameter and span. It weighs 21 kg at launch with a dry mass of 19 kg. Equipped with a UHF transponder digital store-and-forward communications system and solar cells with batteries for power, it was designed to operate using cold gas N2 propulsion. The satellite's mission was conducted by DARPA with the purpose of experimental communication. Its design is based on the PicoStar configuration and has a cylindrical shape with an RCS of 0.0689. Manufactured by DSI, MICROSAT 3 had a planned lifetime of four years but achieved only one year in orbit.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.2
Diameter
0.5
Span
0.5
Dry Mass
19
Launch Mass
21
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
0.0689
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Microsat 3
Purpose
Experimental communication
Mission
Experimental communication
Manufacturer
DSI
Life Expectancy
4 years (planned); 1 year (achieved)
Bus
Picostar
Configuration
PicoStar
Motor
Cold gas N2 propulsion
Equipment
1 UHF transponder digital store and forward communications system
Power System
Solar cellsm batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Force Raises Andromeda Contract to $6.2B for SSA Satellites | KeepTrack Space Brief
U.S. Space Force increased Andromeda contract ceiling to $6.2 billion for next-generation space situational awareness satellites replacing GSSAP and SILENTBARKER programs.
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.
Space Brief 27 Jun 2025
Today's Space Brief covers potential changes in the procurement strategies for the Space Force, developments in missile detection technology, and budgetary impacts on space programs.
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.
X Report 18 Dec 2025
SpaceX carried out a double-header Starlink launch from both coasts while milestones from Max Space and Lux Aeterna signal growth in the commercial space sector.
Reentry
What happens when space objects come home: the fiery physics of returning from orbit and why predicting where debris lands is so difficult
X Report 29 Jul 2025
Today’s brief highlights developments including the Crew-11 launch preparations and the impact of Starlink satellites on radio telescope observations.