Space Brief 14 Feb 2025
Key developments include Redwire's contract for a US Space Force mission, UK's steps toward its first orbital launch, and a detailed military satellite spotlight.
OPTUS B3 (23227)
COSPAR: 1994-055A | Alt Name: Optus B3
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 27, 1994
Launch Site
XICLF
Launch Pad
LC2
Launch Vehicle
Chang Zheng 2E
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
23227
International Designator
1994-055A
Epoch
Thu, 02 Jul 2026 15:09:06 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
12.38°
Right Ascension
30.22°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
38.70°
Period
1459.04 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
OPTUS B3
Alternative Name
Optus B3
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
OPT
Country
Australia
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 23227U 94055A 26183.63132660 .00000029 00000-0 00000-0 0 9997
2 23227 12.3823 30.2161 0005995 38.7036 325.3537 0.98695182116076
Source: Celestrak
Summary
OPTUS B3 is a communication satellite launched by OPT on August 27, 1994, from Xichang Satellite Launch Center using a Chang Zheng 2E launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 2.3 meters in length and diameter with a span of 20.6 meters. It has a dry mass of 1582 kilograms and was equipped with 15 Ku-band transponders, 1 L-band transponder, Ka-band beacon, and laser retroreflector for communication purposes. The satellite's launch mass was 2858 kilograms, and it stabilized on August 28, 1994. Its power system consists of two deployable solar arrays and batteries. It was manufactured by HSES and has a box plus two panel shape with a radar cross-section (RCS) value of 26.3778 square meters. The satellite's intended operational lifetime is ten years, serving communication purposes in Australia.
Physical Characteristics
Length
2.3
Diameter
2.3
Span
20.6
Dry Mass
1582
Launch Mass
2858
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
26.3778
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Optus B3
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
HSES
Life Expectancy
10 years
Bus
HS-601
Configuration
HS-601
Motor
R-4D-11-300
Equipment
15 Ku-band transponders, 1 L-band tranponder, Ka-band beacon, laser retroreflector
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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