Space Brief 17 Sep 2024
Today's Space Brief covers crucial satellite events including upcoming launches, military space developments, and exceptional celestial sightings.
TELSTAR 12 (ORION 2) (25949)
COSPAR: 1999-059A | Alt Name: Orion 2
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 19, 1999
Launch Site
FRGUI
Launch Pad
ELA2
Launch Vehicle
Ariane 44LP
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
25949
International Designator
1999-059A
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 03:14:14 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
8.72°
Right Ascension
62.79°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
247.61°
Period
1461.95 min
Mean Motion
0.98 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
TELSTAR 12 (ORION 2)
Alternative Name
Orion 2
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
LORI
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 25949U 99059A 26185.13488458 -.00000034 00000-0 00000-0 0 9992
2 25949 8.7211 62.7879 0008782 247.6109 299.4844 0.98498298 97343
Source: Celestrak
Summary
TELSTAR 12 (ORION 2) is a communication satellite launched by LOR on October 19, 1999, from ELA2 launch pad at FRGUI using the Ariane 44LP launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 3.1 meters in length and 2.4 meters in diameter with a span of 31.1 meters and a dry mass of 1560 kilograms. It was equipped with 38 Ku-band transponders, powered by two deployable solar arrays and batteries, and designed to operate for 15 years. The satellite's configuration is SSL-1300E under the BUS category FS-1300, manufactured by LOR (Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems). TELSTAR 12 serves communication purposes with a purpose similar to its payload name, Orion 2, owned by LORI.
Physical Characteristics
Length
3.1
Diameter
2.4
Span
31.1
Dry Mass
1560
Launch Mass
3787
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
30.1307
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Orion 2
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
LOR
Life Expectancy
15 years
Bus
FS-1300
Configuration
SSL-1300E
Motor
R-4D-11-164
Equipment
38 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
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