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APSTAR-1A (23943)
COSPAR: 1996-039A | Alt Name: Apstar 1A
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 3, 1996
Launch Site
XICLF
Launch Pad
LC3
Launch Vehicle
Chang Zheng 3
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
23943
International Designator
1996-039A
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 03:52:14 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
12.68°
Right Ascension
19.90°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
352.33°
Period
1451.77 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
APSTAR-1A
Alternative Name
Apstar 1A
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
APT
Country
Hong Kong
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 23943U 96039A 26185.16127712 .00000079 00000-0 00000-0 0 9993
2 23943 12.6794 19.9021 0020716 352.3341 20.6506 0.99189107 42819
Source: Celestrak
Summary
APSTAR-1A, also known as Apstar 1A, is a communication satellite launched on July 3, 1996, from Xichang Satellite Launch Center (XICLF) using the Chang Zheng 3 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 7.5 meters in length and diameter, with a span of 7.5 meters as well. It was manufactured by HSES and has a dry mass of 600 kg and a launch mass of 770 kg. APSTAR-1A is equipped with 24 (+6) C-band transponders for communication purposes, powered by solar cells mounted on its body and drop-skirt configuration, complemented by batteries. The satellite's mission was to provide communication services and it was operated by APT (Asia Pacific Satellite Holdings Limited). Its design includes a cylindrical shape with an RCS value of 25.1188. APSTAR-1A had an expected operational lifetime of 9 years for the first model, extended to 10 years for this variant (#1A).
Physical Characteristics
Length
7.5
Diameter
2.2
Span
7.5
Dry Mass
600
Launch Mass
770
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
25.1188
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Apstar 1A
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
HSES
Life Expectancy
9 years (#1); 10 years (#1A)
Bus
HS-376
Configuration
HS-376
Motor
Star 30CBP
Equipment
24 (+6) C-band transponders
Power System
Solar cells (body mounted and drop-skirt), 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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