Space Brief 14 Mar 2025
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SIRIUS-3 (26626)
COSPAR: 2000-077A | Alt Name: Sirius FM-3
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 30, 2000
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC81/23
Launch Vehicle
Proton-K/DM-2M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
26626
International Designator
2000-077A
Epoch
Sun, 05 Jul 2026 04:49:46 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
59.68°
Right Ascension
276.42°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
268.58°
Period
906.67 min
Mean Motion
1.59 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
SIRIUS-3
Alternative Name
Sirius FM-3
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
SIR
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 26626U 00077A 26186.20123549 -.00000012 00000+0 00000+0 0 9997
2 26626 59.6770 276.4189 0009858 268.5751 91.3769 01.58823570114784
Source: Celestrak
Summary
SIRIUS-3 (also known as Sirius FM-3) is a communication satellite designed for direct radio broadcasting. It was built by LOR using the SSL-1300 configuration and launched on November 30, 2000, from TYMSC LC81/23 using a Proton-K/DM-2M launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 5.2 meters in length, 5.6 meters in diameter, and spans 24.8 meters with its solar arrays deployed. It weighs 3765 kg at launch and has a dry mass of 1570 kg. SIRIUS-3 is equipped with 2 deployable solar arrays and batteries for power generation and storage. Its primary payload is the Sirius CD Radio 3 system, featuring a 1 X/S-band transponder. The satellite's shape consists of a box design plus two panels. It was launched by SIR (Sirius Satellite Radio) to provide direct radio broadcasting services.
Physical Characteristics
Length
5.2
Diameter
5.6
Span
24.8
Dry Mass
1570
Launch Mass
3765
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
11.1819
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Sirius CD Radio 3
Purpose
Communication (Direct radio broadcasting)
Mission
Communication (Direct radio broadcasting)
Manufacturer
LOR
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
FS-1300
Configuration
SSL-1300
Motor
R-4D-11-164
Equipment
1 X/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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