Space Brief 24 Jan 2025
Today's highlights include China's launch of classified TJS-14 satellite, Boeing's defense program losses, and the fourth batch launch of Thousand Sails satellites.
ASTRA 1C (22653)
COSPAR: 1993-031A | Alt Name: Astra 1C
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 12, 1993
Launch Site
FRGUI
Launch Pad
ELA2
Launch Vehicle
Ariane 42L
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
22653
International Designator
1993-031A
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 18:14:31 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
12.87°
Right Ascension
25.46°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
34.04°
Period
1456.85 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
ASTRA 1C
Alternative Name
Astra 1C
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
SES
Country
Luxembourg
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 22653U 93031A 26184.76009024 -.00000149 00000-0 00000-0 0 9998
2 22653 12.8747 25.4650 0005107 34.0358 322.2162 0.98843089 51257
Source: Celestrak
Summary
ASTRA 1C is a communication satellite manufactured by HSES and owned by SES. It was launched on May 12, 1993, from ELA2 at the Guiana Space Centre using an Ariane 42L launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 4.3 meters in length, 2.7 meters in diameter, and a span of 21 meters due to its solar arrays. It was equipped with 24 Ku-band transponders for direct broadcasting services and powered by two deployable solar arrays and batteries. ASTRA 1C had a launch mass of 2790 kg and a dry mass of 1180 kg, with an expected lifetime of 12 years. Its shape is described as a box with two panels, and it has a radar cross-section (RCS) value of 14.13 square meters. The satellite's configuration and bus type are both HS-601, indicating its design for communication purposes.
Physical Characteristics
Length
4.3
Diameter
2.7
Span
21
Dry Mass
1180
Launch Mass
2790
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
14.13
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Astra 1C
Purpose
Communication (Direct Broadcasting)
Mission
Communication (Direct Broadcasting)
Manufacturer
HSES
Life Expectancy
12 years
Bus
HS-601
Configuration
HS-601
Motor
R-4D-11
Equipment
24 Ku-band transponders
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
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