ORBCOMM FM05 (25117)

COSPAR: 1997-084F | Alt Name: Orbcomm A1

Image
ORBCOMM FM05 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

December 23, 1997

Launch Site

ERAS

Launch Pad

RW04/22

Launch Vehicle

Pegasus XL/HAPS

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

25117

International Designator

1997-084F

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:10:23 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

45.02°

Right Ascension

332.11°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

342.13°

Period

99.49 min

Mean Motion

14.47 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info

Name

ORBCOMM FM05

Alternative Name

Orbcomm A1

Type

Payload

Status

Non-operational

Owner

ORBC

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 25117U 97084F   26185.09055021  .00001442  00000-0  42856-3 0  9997
2 25117  45.0154 332.1115 0000567 342.1350  17.9482 14.47410513495918

Source: Celestrak

Summary
ORBCOMM FM05, also known as Orbcomm A1, is a Microstar configuration satellite owned by ORBC and manufactured by OSCG. It was launched on December 23, 1997, from ERAS Launch Site using the Pegasus XL/HAPS launch vehicle from Launch Pad RW04/22. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, a diameter of 1 meter, and a span of 4.3 meters. Its dry mass is 42 kilograms, which is also its launch mass. ORBCOMM FM05 is equipped with an Orbcomm payload for communication M2M/IoT purposes and powered by two deployable solar arrays and batteries. The satellite's shape consists of a cylinder with two panels and an antenna, and it has a Radar Cross Section (RCS) of 0.746 square meters. Its mission is expected to last four years.
Physical Characteristics

Length

0.2

Diameter

1

Span

4.3

Dry Mass

42

Launch Mass

42

Shape

Cyl + 2 Pan + Ant

Radar Cross Section

0.746

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Orbcomm FM5

Purpose

Communication M2M/IoT

Mission

Communication M2M/IoT

Manufacturer

OSCG

Life Expectancy

4 years

Bus

Microstar

Configuration

MicroStar

Motor

?

Equipment

Orbcomm payload

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.

Space Brief 23 Apr 2025

Space Brief 23 Apr 2025

Today's brief highlights the US Space Force's new space conflict doctrine, Ukraine's search for Starlink alternatives, and updates on regional military activities affecting space dynamics.

X Report 11 Apr 2025

X Report 11 Apr 2025

SpaceX postpones a Starlink launch, Bell Canada targets Starlink subsidies, and questions around Elon Musk's involvement in a NASA appointment arise.

South Korea Plans Defense Satellite Constellation With Hanwha Systems | KeepTrack Space Brief

South Korea Plans Defense Satellite Constellation With Hanwha Systems | KeepTrack Space Brief

Hanwha Systems in talks with MDA Space and Telesat for South Korean defense satellite constellation. SpaceX preps GPS satellite launch for Space Force. Seismic networks now track space junk reentry.

X Report 16 Feb 2025

X Report 16 Feb 2025

SpaceX achieves a new milestone with the Falcon 9 and Starlink reshapes satellite connectivity landscape.

Space Brief 18 Sep 2025

Space Brief 18 Sep 2025

Today's coverage includes China's recent satellite launch, the Space Force's challenges with current tracking capabilities, and advancements in nuclear propulsion from Ohio State.

Space Brief 13 Nov 2024

Space Brief 13 Nov 2024

Today's focus spans critical developments in military space initiatives, strategic policy shifts, and modest steps in semiconductor advancements. Key developments include Rocket Lab's new U.S. Air Force contract, Sierra Space's progress in satellite programs, and potential policy changes under Trump's leadership.

Apogee and Perigee

Apogee and Perigee

Understanding the high and low points of every orbit - from the International Space Station's careful dance with Earth's atmosphere to the extreme ellipses that take satellites to the edge of space and back.

X Report 29 Oct 2025

X Report 29 Oct 2025

SpaceX embraces community support during Hurricane Melissa while advancing its Starbase infrastructure and launching more Starlink satellites.