Launch Date
November 27, 2001
Launch Site
FRGUI
Launch Pad
ELA2
Launch Vehicle
Ariane 44LP
NORAD ID
26985
International Designator
2001-052A
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:19:52 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
6.30°
Right Ascension
71.51°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
79.41°
Period
1450.73 min
Mean Motion
0.99 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Name
DIRECTV 4S
Alternative Name
DirecTV 4S
Type
Status
Owner
DTV
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
1 26985U 01052A 26185.09713831 -.00000015 00000-0 00000-0 0 9999
2 26985 6.3027 71.5116 0003466 79.4145 254.5119 0.99260311 51239
Source: Celestrak
Length
2.7
Diameter
3.6
Span
26.2
Dry Mass
2100
Launch Mass
4300
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
16.0775
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
DirecTV-4S
Purpose
Communication (Direct Broadcasting)
Mission
Communication (Direct Broadcasting)
Manufacturer
BOES
Life Expectancy
15 years
Bus
HS-601HP
Configuration
BSS-601HP
Motor
R-4D-11-300
Equipment
48 Ku-band transponders
Power System
2 deployable solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
The largest commercial antenna ever deployed in low Earth orbit belongs to a company most people have never heard of. AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird 6 is either the future of cellular connectivity or the most ambitious overreach in telecom history - and it just finished unfolding.
On 25 June 1997, a seven-ton cargo ship under hand control drifted into Mir's Spektr module, breached the hull, and left three crew members listening to their air hiss into space. It remains the worst collision in the history of human spaceflight.
Today's brief highlights critical discussions in military space readiness, potential satellite 'dogfighting' scenarios, international defense collaborations, and a notable communications satellite launch.
Keck Foundation team proposes first-ever graviton detector concept. Space Force shelves Resilient GPS program. China advances Long March 12B reusable rocket with static fire test at Jiuquan.
Space debris poses a mounting threat to both satellites and space missions. As we send more objects into orbit, the likelihood of collisions and subsequent breakups producing dangerous space debris increases. Recognizing the major events that have generated this dangerous space junk is pivotal in ensuring the safety of future space missions.
Today's brief covers potential roles for commercial satellites in missile defense, SpaceX's new launch site plans at Vandenberg, and partnerships for space nuclear propulsion. Discover updates on military space projects and international defense agreements.
SpaceX faces challenges with a Falcon 9 reentry issue, while continuing to expand its Starlink constellation with new launches.
SpaceX gears up for its 11th Starship test flight, while Starlink expands connectivity through partnerships with T-Mobile, enhancing app functionality beyond cellular coverage.
