ORBCOMM FM34 (25986)

COSPAR: 1999-065G | Alt Name: Orbcomm D6

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

25986

International Designator

1999-065G

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:02:53 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

45.04°

Right Ascension

88.20°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

75.20°

Period

100.14 min

Mean Motion

14.38 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot

3D Visualization

Basic Satellite Info

Name

ORBCOMM FM34

Alternative Name

Orbcomm D6

Type

Payload

Status

Non-operational

Owner

ORBC

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 25986U 99065G   26185.08534044  .00000856  00000-0  32736-3 0  9992

2 25986  45.0390  88.1974 0003581  75.2002 284.9243 14.37974216389852

Source: Celestrak

Summary

ORBCOMM FM34 (also known as Orbcomm D6) is a communication satellite designed for M2M/IoT applications launched on December 4, 1999, from ERAS using the Pegasus XL/HAPS launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 1 meter in diameter with a span of 4.3 meters when its deployable solar arrays are extended. The satellite weighs 44 kilograms both at launch and dry mass. It is part of the Microstar configuration, manufactured by OSCG for ORBCOMM (ORBC), equipped with an Orbcomm payload and powered by two solar arrays along with batteries. Its mission duration was estimated to last four years.

Physical Characteristics

Length

0.2

Diameter

Span

4.3

Dry Mass

Launch Mass

Shape

Cyl + 2 Pan + Ant

Radar Cross Section

0.5445

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Orbcomm FM34

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

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.

Latitude

Longitude

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.

Falling Space Debris Risk to Aircraft Grows, North Korea Tests Hypersonic Missiles | KeepTrack Space Brief

Experts warn falling space debris risk to aircraft is increasing. North Korea tests advanced hypersonic missiles. Space Force seeks launch providers for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg pads.

Top 10 Features You Didn't Know About Starlink

Discover the hidden gems and lesser-known aspects of SpaceX's revolutionary Starlink satellite internet service, from Easter eggs to advanced technical features.

Vulcan Set to Open 2026 With USSF-87 National Security Launch | KeepTrack Space Brief

ULA's Vulcan rocket preps for USSF-87 national security launch to open 2026. Sierra Space delivers SDA Tranche 2 satellites three months early. NASA delays spacewalk for Crew-11 medical issue.

Growing Threat of Space Junk

Over 27,000 high-speed pieces of space junk now threaten vital satellites, requiring sophisticated tracking and urgent innovation of orbital debris removal methods like harpoons and nets.

X Report 9 Jun 2025

Tensions between SpaceX and the U.S. government escalate as President Trump's threats could have significant implications on the company's operations and future plans. Meanwhile, India takes a significant step in its space endeavors with a historic astronaut launch.

X Report 15 Jun 2025

SpaceX explores new horizons with Starship's point-to-point travel announcement and reports significant Starlink deployment progress.

Space Brief 6 Apr 2025

Today, we explore substantial U.S. defense contracts awarded for space launches, ESA's enigmatic Euclid images release, and SpaceX missions covering satellite launches and astronaut reentries.

The Day America Reached Orbit

Sixty-three years ago, John Glenn became the first American to orbit Earth, piloting Friendship 7 through three historic orbits that transformed the Space Race