INMARSAT 3-F3 (24674)

COSPAR: 1996-070A | Alt Name: INMARSAT III F-3

Image
INMARSAT 3-F3 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

December 18, 1996

Launch Pad

LC36A

Launch Vehicle

Atlas IIA

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

24674

International Designator

1996-070A

Epoch

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 19:11:20 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

10.35°

Right Ascension

49.49°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

59.13°

Period

1440.14 min

Mean Motion

1.00 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

INMARSAT 3-F3

Alternative Name

INMARSAT III F-3

Type

Payload

Status

Backup

Owner

INMAR

Country

INMARSAT

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 24674U 96070A   26184.79954300  .00000108  00000-0  00000-0 0  9992
2 24674  10.3533  49.4928 0003337  59.1293 126.4527  0.99990411108076

Source: Celestrak

Summary
INMARSAT 3-F3, also known as INMARSAT III F-3, is a communication satellite operated by INMAR and launched on December 18, 1996, from the Atlas East Test Range (AFETR), specifically Launch Complex 36A (LC36A). It was carried into orbit by an Atlas IIA launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 7.6 meters in length, 2.1 meters in diameter, and a span of 20.7 meters, with a dry mass of 792 kilograms and a launch mass of 1035 kilograms. It is equipped with 22 (+11) L-band transponders (with 22W power amplifiers) and a C-band uplink for communication purposes. The satellite's primary power source consists of two deployable solar arrays and batteries, and it features a box shape with two panels. Its manufacturer is LMTEW, and the propulsion system uses a Star 37FM motor. INMARSAT 3-F3 was intended to have an operational lifetime of approximately 13 years.
Physical Characteristics

Length

7.6

Diameter

2.1

Span

20.7

Dry Mass

792

Launch Mass

1035

Shape

Box + 2 Pan

Radar Cross Section

28.1837

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

INMARSAT III F-3

Purpose

Communication

Mission

Communication

Manufacturer

LMTEW

Life Expectancy

13 years

Bus

AS4000

Configuration

AS-4000

Motor

Star 37FM

Equipment

22 (+11) L-band transponders (22W Power amplifiers), C-band uplink

Power System

2 deployable solar arrays, batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Map
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