Space Brief 12 Nov 2025
Today's brief covers China's ongoing assessments following a potential debris strike on Shenzhou-20, SpaceX's record-breaking Starlink launch, Rocket Lab's delay of the Neutron rocket, and more.
INSAT-3B (26108)
COSPAR: 2000-016B | Alt Name: Insat 3B
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 21, 2000
Launch Site
FRGUI
Launch Pad
ELA3
Launch Vehicle
Ariane 5G
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
26108
International Designator
2000-016B
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 21:34:06 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
10.89°
Right Ascension
45.35°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
224.04°
Period
1444.82 min
Mean Motion
1.00 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
INSAT-3B
Alternative Name
Insat 3B
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
ISRO
Country
India
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 26108U 00016B 26184.89868462 -.00000176 00000-0 00000-0 0 9991
2 26108 10.8911 45.3463 0004953 224.0432 142.4929 0.99666066 51603
Source: Celestrak
Summary
INSAT-3B is a communication satellite operated by ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation). It was launched on March 21, 2000, from the Guiana Space Centre using an Ariane 5G launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 1.9 meters in length and 1.7 meters in diameter, with a span of 14.7 meters due to its solar arrays. Its dry mass is 970 kg, and it was launched with a total mass of 2070 kg. INSAT-3B is equipped with 12 C-band transponders, 3 Ku-band transponders, 1 Ku beacon, and 1 S-band transponder for communication purposes. The satellite's power system consists of two deployable solar arrays and batteries. It has a box shape with two panels and an RCS (Reaction Control System) value of 5.0119. INSAT-3B was designed to operate for a lifetime of 10 years, providing essential communication services.
Physical Characteristics
Length
1.9
Diameter
1.7
Span
14.7
Dry Mass
970
Launch Mass
2070
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
5.0119
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Insat 3B
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
ISRO
Life Expectancy
10 years
Bus
I2K
Configuration
Insat-2/-3 Bus
Motor
ISRO LAM
Equipment
12 C-band transponders, 3 Ku-band transponders, 1 Ku beacon, 1 S-band transponder
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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