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FAST (24285)
COSPAR: 1996-049A | Alt Name: FAST
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 21, 1996
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
RW30/12
Launch Vehicle
Pegasus XL
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
24285
International Designator
1996-049A
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 00:10:03 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
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Inclination
82.95°
Right Ascension
33.05°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
73.54°
Period
121.69 min
Mean Motion
11.83 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
FAST
Alternative Name
FAST
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
GSFC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 24285U 96049A 26185.00698729 .00007999 00000-0 59978-3 0 9997
2 24285 82.9483 33.0451 1735227 73.5410 304.8618 11.83314477234659
Source: Celestrak
Summary
FAST (1996-049A) is a research satellite operated by GSFC and launched on August 21, 1996, from AFWTR using the Pegasus XL launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.9 meters in length, 1.2 meters in diameter, with a span of 60 meters, and had a dry mass of 162 kilograms at launch. The satellite is equipped with an Electric Field Experiment, Magnetic Field Experiment, TEAMS, and 16 ESAs for its mission objectives. FAST utilizes solar cells and batteries for power generation and has a cylindrical shape with two antennas. Its designed lifetime was one year, and it was launched to conduct research missions.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.9
Diameter
1.2
Span
60
Dry Mass
162
Launch Mass
162
Shape
Cyl + 2 Ant
Radar Cross Section
1.3447
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
FAST
Purpose
Research
Mission
Research
Manufacturer
GSFC
Life Expectancy
1 year
Bus
SMEX
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
?
Equipment
Electric Field Experiment, Magnetic Field Experiment, TEAMS, 16 ESAs
Power System
Solar cells, 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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