AFRISTAR (25515)

COSPAR: 1998-063A | Alt Name: Afristar

Image
AFRISTAR Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

October 28, 1998

Launch Site

FRGUI

Launch Pad

ELA2

Launch Vehicle

Ariane 44L

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

25515

International Designator

1998-063A

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 03:11:29 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

10.26°

Right Ascension

49.62°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

92.34°

Period

1454.46 min

Mean Motion

0.99 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info

Name

AFRISTAR

Alternative Name

Afristar

Type

Payload

Status

Non-operational

Owner

WORSP

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 25515U 98063A   26185.13297792 -.00000024  00000-0  00000-0 0  9993
2 25515  10.2632  49.6201 0002892  92.3371  97.8111  0.99005855100720

Source: Celestrak

Summary
AFRISTAR is a communication satellite identified by NORAD catalog ID 25515 and object ID 1998-063A. Launched on October 28, 1998, from ELA2 launch pad at the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana using an Ariane 44L launch vehicle, this Eurostar 2000+ satellite is owned by WORSP and manufactured by MMST. The spacecraft has dimensions of 3 meters in length, a diameter of 1.7 meters, and a span of 28 meters, with a dry mass of 1,210 kg and a launch mass of 2,739 kg. AFRISTAR is equipped with 3 L-band transponders for communication purposes and powered by two deployable solar arrays and batteries. The satellite has an expected lifetime of 12 years.
Physical Characteristics

Length

3

Diameter

1.7

Span

28

Dry Mass

1210

Launch Mass

2739

Shape

Box + 2 Pan

Radar Cross Section

6.9082

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Afristar

Purpose

Communication

Mission

Communication

Manufacturer

MMST

Life Expectancy

12 years

Bus

Eurostar 2000+

Configuration

Eurostar-2000+

Motor

R-4D-11-300

Equipment

3 L-band transponders

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.

X Report 14 Jan 2025

X Report 14 Jan 2025

SpaceX sets a new reusability record and continues its busy launch schedule with multiple Starlink missions.

Space Brief 31 Oct 2025

Space Brief 31 Oct 2025

Today we explore defense-driven shifts in satellite operations amid geopolitical tensions and innovative projects pushing the boundaries of space technology.

X Report 15 Nov 2024

X Report 15 Nov 2024

SpaceX preps for its sixth Starship test flight, moving the Super Heavy rocket to the pad. China's unveils a Starship-like reusable rocket concept, while Starlink expands with 24 new satellites launched.

Space Brief 24 Dec 2025

Space Brief 24 Dec 2025

Today's highlights include the successes and setbacks in recent rocket launches, a notable satellite anomaly, and a significant expansion announcement from ESA.

X Report 5 Aug 2025

X Report 5 Aug 2025

SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites while returning to form with Starship testing at Starbase. Meanwhile, preparations for upcoming launches are underway.

Demystifying the USSPACECOM Two-Line Element Set Format

Demystifying the USSPACECOM Two-Line Element Set Format

Discover the history and significance of Two-Line Element Sets (TLEs) in satellite tracking. Dive into their components, applications, and how they are evolving to meet future space challenges.

Space Brief 5 Apr 2025

Space Brief 5 Apr 2025

Today's brief covers the new Space Force operations doctrine, international defense collaborations by the UAE, and satellite tracking technology innovations.

Space Brief 17 Sep 2025

Space Brief 17 Sep 2025

Highlights include China's recent satellite launch, advancements in nuclear propulsion, non-kinetic tech developments for maritime defense, SpaceX's direct-to-device spectrum tests, and maneuvering satellites for Space Force missions.