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ASTRA 3A (27400)
COSPAR: 2002-015B | Alt Name: Astra 3A
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 29, 2002
Launch Site
FRGUI
Launch Pad
ELA2
Launch Vehicle
Ariane 44L
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
27400
International Designator
2002-015B
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 19:10:20 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
10.57°
Right Ascension
47.75°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
274.18°
Period
1453.25 min
Mean Motion
0.99 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
ASTRA 3A
Alternative Name
Astra 3A
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
SESA
Country
Luxembourg
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 27400U 02015B 26184.79884966 -.00000048 00000-0 00000-0 0 9992
2 27400 10.5698 47.7515 0001031 274.1767 269.4723 0.99088021 88738
Source: Celestrak
Summary
ASTRA 3A is a communication satellite launched on March 29, 2002, from the Guiana Space Centre using an Ariane 44L launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 8 meters in length and has a diameter of 2.2 meters, with a span also at 8 meters. It was manufactured by BOES and designed to operate for 10 years. Astra 3A is equipped with solar cells (body mounted and drop-skirt) and batteries for power generation. The satellite's dry mass is 700 kilograms and its launch mass was 865 kilograms. Its equipment includes 20 Ku-band transponders, designed for communication purposes, specifically direct broadcasting. It orbits under the ownership of SES ASTRA and operates from a cylindrical shape with a reflective surface area (RCS) of approximately 15.8865 square meters.
Physical Characteristics
Length
8
Diameter
2.2
Span
8
Dry Mass
700
Launch Mass
865
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
15.8865
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Astra 3A
Purpose
Communication (Direct Broadcasting)
Mission
Communication (Direct Broadcasting)
Manufacturer
BOES
Life Expectancy
10 years
Bus
HS-376HP
Configuration
BSS-376HP
Motor
Star 30
Equipment
18 Ku-band transponders (#2D); 20 Ku-band transponders (#3A)
Power System
Solar cells (body mounted and drop-skirt), 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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