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SUPERBIRD-A3 (24880)
COSPAR: 1997-036A | Alt Name: Superbird C
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 28, 1997
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC36B
Launch Vehicle
Atlas IIAS
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
24880
International Designator
1997-036A
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 09:50:57 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
12.10°
Right Ascension
33.71°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
340.35°
Period
1453.45 min
Mean Motion
0.99 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SUPERBIRD-A3
Alternative Name
Superbird C
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
SCC
Country
Japan
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 24880U 97036A 26184.41038676 -.00000246 00000-0 00000-0 0 9996
2 24880 12.0961 33.7073 0006127 340.3510 19.6579 0.99074417 65030
Source: Celestrak
Summary
SUPERBIRD-A3 (also known as Superbird C) is a communication satellite launched by Space Communication Corporation (SCC) on July 28, 1997, from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's LC36B pad using an Atlas IIAS launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 4.9 meters in length and 2.3 meters in diameter with a span of 26.2 meters due to its solar panels. It is equipped with 24 Ku-band transponders, powered by two deployable solar arrays and batteries, and was manufactured using HS-601 configuration by HSES. The satellite has a dry mass of 1700 kg and launched at a mass of 3130 kg. Its mission lifespan is projected to be around 13 years, with its primary purpose being communication services.
Physical Characteristics
Length
4.9
Diameter
2.3
Span
26.2
Dry Mass
1700
Launch Mass
3130
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
12.5892
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Superbird C
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
HSES
Life Expectancy
13 years
Bus
HS-601
Configuration
HS-601
Motor
R-4D-11-300
Equipment
24 Ku-band transponders
Power System
2 deployable solar arrays, 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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