ECHOSTAR 2 (24313)

COSPAR: 1996-055A | Alt Name: Echostar II

Image
ECHOSTAR 2 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

September 11, 1996

Launch Site

FRGUI

Launch Pad

ELA2

Launch Vehicle

Ariane 42P

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

24313

International Designator

1996-055A

Epoch

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 11:52:30 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

11.99°

Right Ascension

31.43°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

91.74°

Period

1435.32 min

Mean Motion

1.00 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info

Name

ECHOSTAR 2

Alternative Name

Echostar II

Type

Payload

Status

Non-operational

Owner

ECHO

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 24313U 96055A   26184.49479832 -.00000266  00000-0  00000-0 0  9990
2 24313  11.9909  31.4333 0011607  91.7429 262.9422  1.00325754109170

Source: Celestrak

Summary
ECHOSTAR 2, also known as Echostar II, is a communication satellite designed for direct broadcasting. Launched on September 11, 1996, from the ELA2 launch pad at Kourou, French Guiana (FRGUI), using an Ariane 42P launch vehicle, it was manufactured by LMTEW and owned by ECHO. The satellite has a configuration of AS-7000 with dimensions of 2.8 meters in length, 2.2 meters in diameter, and a span of 23.8 meters when its solar arrays are deployed. It weighs approximately 1324 kg dry and had a launch mass of 2865 kg. ECHOSTAR 2 is equipped with 16 Ku-band transponders for communication purposes and two Leros 1B motors for propulsion, as well as deployable solar arrays and batteries for power generation. Its shape consists of a box structure with two panels.
Physical Characteristics

Length

2.8

Diameter

2.2

Span

23.8

Dry Mass

1324

Launch Mass

2865

Shape

Box + 2 Pan

Radar Cross Section

20

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Echostar 2

Purpose

Communication (Direct Broadcasting)

Mission

Communication (Direct Broadcasting)

Manufacturer

LMTEW

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

AS7000

Configuration

AS-7000

Motor

2x Leros 1B

Equipment

16 Ku-band transponders

Power System

2 deployable solar arrays, batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Map
This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

Amazon vs SpaceX and the Battle for the Best Satellite Internet Service

Amazon vs SpaceX and the Battle for the Best Satellite Internet Service

SpaceX and Amazon Are Playing for Keeps to Control Satellite Broadband and Connect the World. But Is There Room for Both in the Orbit?

Space Brief 8 Sep 2025

Space Brief 8 Sep 2025

Today's highlights include China's Yaogan-40 satellite launch, military contracts for rocket studies, and SpaceX's 500th booster landing.

Space Brief 5 Jul 2025

Space Brief 5 Jul 2025

Today's space highlights include China's first classified Shiyan-28B launch, Boeing's major satellite contract, new NASA budget allocations, and plans for shuttle Discovery's relocation.

Starship Flight 13 to Debut First Starlink V3 Satellites | KeepTrack X Report

Starship Flight 13 to Debut First Starlink V3 Satellites | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX readies Starship Flight 13 for July 16 launch to deploy first Starlink V3 satellites as Falcon 9 logs its 600th booster reuse.

Falcon 9 Booster Sets 33-Flight Reuse Record, X Report 23 Feb 2026

Falcon 9 Booster Sets 33-Flight Reuse Record, X Report 23 Feb 2026

Falcon 9 booster reuse record: SpaceX's most-flown booster flew a 33rd flight Feb 21 with 28 Starlink V2 Minis. Two launches in a day; 9,779 on orbit.

Pentagon Orders 30,000 One-Way Drones; Sierra Space Raises $550M | KeepTrack Space Brief

Pentagon Orders 30,000 One-Way Drones; Sierra Space Raises $550M | KeepTrack Space Brief

Pentagon to order 30,000 attritable drones within days via Gauntlet competition. Meanwhile, Sierra Space closes $550M Series C funding round for national security spaceplane applications.

Space Brief 20 Feb 2025

Space Brief 20 Feb 2025

Expansion of national security capabilities with new services, shifts in Pentagon priorities, challenges in zero trust compliance, and more.

Space Brief 26 Nov 2024

Space Brief 26 Nov 2024

Today's headlines include new launch schedules, military industrial base challenges, and NASA's exploration of historic Cold War sites. Discover significant space events and satellite insights.