Space Brief 4 Dec 2024
Today's brief covers significant advancements in materials technology for space applications, a U.S. Navy contract for rocket production facilities, and NATO's upcoming classified cloud system.
EUTELSAT 16B (25237)
COSPAR: 1998-013A | Alt Name: Hot Bird 4
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 27, 1998
Launch Site
FRGUI
Launch Pad
ELA2
Launch Vehicle
Ariane 42P
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
25237
International Designator
1998-013A
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:41:26 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
11.10°
Right Ascension
46.14°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
351.76°
Period
1465.26 min
Mean Motion
0.98 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
EUTELSAT 16B
Alternative Name
Hot Bird 4
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
EUTEL
Country
EUTELSAT
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 25237U 98013A 26185.19544462 -.00000027 00000-0 00000-0 0 9997
2 25237 11.0973 46.1353 0003755 351.7594 179.1966 0.98275802 40394
Source: Celestrak
Summary
EUTELSAT 16B, also known as Hot Bird 4, is a communication satellite manufactured by MMST and owned by EUTEL. It was launched on February 27, 1998, from the ELA2 launch pad at FRGUI using an Ariane 42P launch vehicle. The satellite has a configuration of Eurostar-2000+ with a length of 4 meters, diameter of 2.3 meters, and a span of 27.9 meters. Its dry mass is 1310 kg, and it was launched at a mass of 2885 kg. Equipped with 20 Ku-band transponders and powered by two deployable solar arrays and batteries, EUTELSAT 16B serves for direct broadcasting communication missions. The satellite has an RCS (reaction control system) value of 24.5191 and a shape described as Box + 2 Pan.
Physical Characteristics
Length
4
Diameter
2.3
Span
27.9
Dry Mass
1310
Launch Mass
2885
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
24.5191
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Eutelsat HB4
Purpose
Communication (Direct Broadcasting)
Mission
Communication (Direct Broadcasting)
Manufacturer
MMST
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Eurostar 2000+
Configuration
Eurostar-2000+
Motor
R-4D-11-300
Equipment
20 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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
X Report 31 Aug 2025
SpaceX successfully launched its ninth Starlink mission of the month, boosting broadband coverage with additional satellites deployed from both coasts. The latest missions underscore the company's commitment to expanding global internet access.
Hypersonica Missile Hits Mach 6 in Norway Flight Test | KeepTrack Space Brief
Hypersonica completes Mach 6+ hypersonic missile flight test in Norway covering 300+ km. Pentagon seeks commercial GEO spy satellites. Gilat wins $9M Israeli defense satcom deal.
X Report 9 Dec 2024
SpaceX's latest Starlink satellite launch boosts their constellation and Starship development progresses steadily.
Space Brief 28 Jan 2025
Today's highlights include Space Force's budget shifts, China's new commercial lunar collaboration, and SpaceX's latest Starlink launch.
Space Force Eyes 1,000 Launches by 2031, New Site Required | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force projects ~1,000 launches between FY2027–FY2031, averaging 200 annually. DAF study concludes new launch site is "probably" required to absorb cadence.
The Day America Shot Down Its Own Spy Satellite
Seventeen years ago, a Navy cruiser in the Pacific fired a missile at a tumbling reconnaissance satellite that had failed within hours of reaching orbit - officially to prevent toxic fuel from reaching the ground, unofficially to prove something far more significant to China and the world
Space Brief 8 Jan 2025
Today's highlights include China's launch of the Shijian-25 for on-orbit refueling tests, major Pentagon contracts for solid rocket motors and hypersonic testing, and the US Space Force's record-setting year of launches.