X Report 12 Nov 2024
SpaceX prepares for a monumental sixth Starship test flight while achieving a historic Falcon 9 booster landing. Meanwhile, a Starlink satellite lights up the night sky as it reenters Earth's atmosphere.
BADR-3 (ARABSAT-3A) (25638)
COSPAR: 1999-009A | Alt Name: Arabsat 3A
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 26, 1999
Launch Site
FRGUI
Launch Pad
ELA2
Launch Vehicle
Ariane 44L
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
25638
International Designator
1999-009A
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 19:55:47 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
11.96°
Right Ascension
32.35°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
12.21°
Period
1437.53 min
Mean Motion
1.00 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
BADR-3 (ARABSAT-3A)
Alternative Name
Arabsat 3A
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
ARAB
Country
Arabsat
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 25638U 99009A 26184.83041660 .00000035 00000-0 00000-0 0 9998
2 25638 11.9619 32.3547 0004657 12.2146 357.8009 1.00172001100134
Source: Celestrak
Summary
BADR-3 (ARABSAT-3A), also known as Arabsat 3A, is a communication satellite built by ALC and launched on February 26, 1999, from the Guiana Space Centre using an Ariane 44L launch vehicle. It has a configuration of Spacebus-3000B2 and is owned by ARAB. The spacecraft measures 4.6 meters in length, 2.5 meters in diameter, with a span of 29 meters. Its dry mass is 1200 kg, while its launch mass was 2708 kg. BADR-3 (ARABSAT-3A) is equipped with 20 Ku-band transponders and two deployable solar arrays for power generation. The satellite's design lifetime is 13 years and it serves a communication mission.
Physical Characteristics
Length
4.6
Diameter
2.5
Span
29
Dry Mass
1200
Launch Mass
2708
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
7.9433
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Arabsat 3A
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
ALC
Life Expectancy
13 years (design)
Bus
Spacebus 3000B2
Configuration
Spacebus-3000B2
Motor
S400
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.
Pentagon Cancels OPIR Polar After Northrop Sensor Delivery | KeepTrack Space Brief
Pentagon cancels Next-Generation OPIR Polar program after Northrop Grumman delivered sensor payload. LEO and MEO alternatives deemed sufficient for missile-warning coverage.
X Report 16 Dec 2025
SpaceX successfully launched its 100th Falcon 9 flight, deploying 29 Starlink satellites, while NASA plans to test SpaceX’s Starshield. Additionally, SpaceX engages in social media commentary regarding American Airlines' interest in Amazon's Starlink rival.
Space Brief 26 Jun 2025
Exploring new defense agreements with Eutelsat, advances in U.S. Space Force projects, and updates on NATO's strategic discussions.
Blue Origin Announces 5,400-Satellite Constellation to Rival Starlink | KeepTrack X Report
Blue Origin reveals plans for 5,400+ satellite constellation targeting enterprise and government with 6 Tbps capacity. SpaceX launches first West Coast Starlink mission of 2026 from Vandenberg.
X Report 7 Nov 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites while EchoStar enhances its stake in the company through a $2.6 billion spectrum deal, amid growing demands for space domain awareness.
Dragon Delivers 6,500 lbs to ISS; Zenk Space Eyes June Orbital Debut | KeepTrack Space Brief
SpaceX Dragon berthed ISS with 6,500 pounds of cargo May 17. China's Zenk Space raised $26M, targeting June for Zhihang-1 rocket's orbital debut.
X Report 18 Sep 2025
SpaceX gears up for a busy week with new Starship testing and enhanced Starlink capabilities on the horizon.