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ORBCOMM FM31 (25981)
COSPAR: 1999-065B | Alt Name: Orbcomm D3
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 4, 1999
Launch Site
ERAS
Launch Pad
RW22
Launch Vehicle
Pegasus XL/HAPS
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
25981
International Designator
1999-065B
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 22:55:33 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
45.02°
Right Ascension
74.76°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
135.86°
Period
100.13 min
Mean Motion
14.38 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
ORBCOMM FM31
Alternative Name
Orbcomm D3
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
ORBC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 25981U 99065B 26184.95524355 .00000831 00000-0 31828-3 0 9990
2 25981 45.0227 74.7560 0002889 135.8596 224.2483 14.38089946388949
Source: Celestrak
Summary
ORBCOMM FM31, also known as Orbcomm D3, is a MicroStar configuration satellite manufactured by OSCG and owned by ORBC. Launched on December 4, 1999, from ERAS launch site using the Pegasus XL/HAPS launch vehicle, this US communication M2M/IoT satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 1 meter in diameter, and a span of 4.3 meters. It weighs 44 kilograms both at launch and dry mass. Equipped with deployable solar arrays and batteries for power, the spacecraft's shape is cylindrical plus two panels plus an antenna. The satellite has a lifetime expectancy of four years and serves to facilitate communication for M2M/IoT purposes.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.2
Diameter
1
Span
4.3
Dry Mass
44
Launch Mass
44
Shape
Cyl + 2 Pan + Ant
Radar Cross Section
0.558
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Orbcomm FM31
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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