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ORBCOMM FM23 (25477)
COSPAR: 1998-053C | Alt Name: Orbcomm C3
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 23, 1998
Launch Site
ERAS
Launch Pad
RW04/22
Launch Vehicle
Pegasus XL/HAPS
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
25477
International Designator
1998-053C
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 06:08:11 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
45.01°
Right Ascension
260.26°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
286.04°
Period
100.10 min
Mean Motion
14.38 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
ORBCOMM FM23
Alternative Name
Orbcomm C3
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
ORBC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 25477U 98053C 26185.25568664 .00000692 00000-0 27070-3 0 9990
2 25477 45.0077 260.2588 0002942 286.0364 74.0161 14.38492075452392
Source: Celestrak
Summary
ORBCOMM FM23, also known as Orbcomm C3, is a communication satellite designed for M2M/IoT purposes, launched on September 23, 1998, from the ERAS launch site using a Pegasus XL/HAPS launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 1 meter and has a span of 4.3 meters due to its solar arrays. It was manufactured by OSCG for ORBCOM and carries an Orbcomm payload. With a dry mass of 42 kilograms, the satellite is powered by two deployable solar arrays and batteries. Launched with the same mass of 42 kg, it has a configuration known as MicroStar and operates under a cylindrical shape complemented by panels and antennas. Its mission duration was approximately 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
0.6326
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Orbcomm FM23
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
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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