Starship Florida Launch Targeting 2026 | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX is pushing to launch Starship from Cape Canaveral before end of 2026, with contractors ramping work at LC-39A.
AFRICASAT-2 (MEASAT-2) (24653)
COSPAR: 1996-063B | Alt Name: Measat 2
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 13, 1996
Launch Site
FRGUI
Launch Pad
ELA2
Launch Vehicle
Ariane 44L
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
24653
International Designator
1996-063B
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 19:52:25 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
12.28°
Right Ascension
28.86°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
192.81°
Period
1444.88 min
Mean Motion
1.00 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
AFRICASAT-2 (MEASAT-2)
Alternative Name
Measat 2
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
BINA
Country
Malaysia
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 24653U 96063B 26184.82807659 -.00000158 00000-0 00000-0 0 9995
2 24653 12.2820 28.8570 0004541 192.8116 167.8522 0.99662238108453
Source: Celestrak
Summary
AFRICASAT-2 (also known as MEASAT-2) is a communication satellite with NORAD ID 24653 and OBJECT_ID 1996-063B, manufactured by HSES for BINA, the owner. Launched on November 13, 1996, from ELA2 at FRGUI using an Ariane 44L launch vehicle, it has a cylindrical shape with dimensions of 7.8 meters in length and diameter, and spans 7.8 meters. The satellite weighs 646 kilograms dry and 882 kilograms at launch. Its equipment includes 5 (+1) high-power Ku-band transponders (#1), 11 Ku-band transponders (#2), and 12 C-band transponders (both). AFRICASAT-2 was designed to operate for a mission lifetime of up to 12 years for #1 and 11 years for #2, powered by solar cells mounted on the body and drop-skirts along with batteries. Its RCS is 60.1187, and it uses Star 30C motors for propulsion.
Physical Characteristics
Length
7.8
Diameter
2.2
Span
7.8
Dry Mass
646
Launch Mass
882
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
60.1187
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Measat 2
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
HSES
Life Expectancy
12 years (#1); 11 years (#2)
Bus
HS-376
Configuration
HS-376
Motor
Star 30C
Equipment
5 (+1) high-power Ku-band transponders (#1), 11 Ku-band transponders (#2), 12 C-band transponders (both)
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Starship V3 Debuts Flight 12 With First-Ever Self-Imaging Maneuver | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's Starship V3 targets Flight 12 with an unprecedented self-inspection maneuver, while Delta Air Lines walks away from Starlink inflight Wi-Fi.
Space Brief 30 Oct 2025
Today's brief explores rising investments in space with defense ties, potential Space Force-NRO coordination, and more, offering insight into current military and defense satellite dynamics.
X Report 25 Oct 2025
SpaceX prepares for a record-setting launch of Starlink satellites, while Iridium faces challenges against SpaceX's expanding services.
Space Brief 25 Feb 2025
Today's Space Brief covers imminent launches, new developments in space technology, and strategic military contributions to satellite defense systems.
NASA Pressures Blue Origin on HLS After New Glenn Explosion | KeepTrack Space Brief
NASA demands Blue Origin find alternate launcher for Artemis moon landers after New Glenn test explosion damaged Cape Canaveral LC-36. Schedule risk to lunar missions.
US Military Likely Jamming Iran Satellite Comms | KeepTrack Space Brief
US military praised for space operations against Iran assessed as jamming or spoofing satellite communications. Electronic warfare effects invisible to orbital tracking data.
X Report 25 Nov 2024
SpaceX launches multiple Starlink batches, FAA updates for Starship, and NASA plans lunar cargo deliveries involving SpaceX and Blue Origin.