EUTELSAT 31A (27948)

COSPAR: 2003-043A | Alt Name: Eurobird 3

Image
EUTELSAT 31A Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

September 27, 2003

Launch Site

FRGUI

Launch Pad

ELA3

Launch Vehicle

Ariane 5G

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

27948

International Designator

2003-043A

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 05:34:46 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

9.78°

Right Ascension

55.48°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

188.92°

Period

1456.26 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

EUTELSAT 31A

Alternative Name

Eurobird 3

Type

Payload

Status

Non-operational

Owner

EUTSA

Country

France

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 27948U 03043A   26185.23248406  .00000059  00000-0  00000-0 0  9995
2 27948   9.7798  55.4829 0003637 188.9166 173.5797  0.98883285 45237

Source: Celestrak

Summary
EUTELSAT 31A, also known as Eurobird 3, is a communication satellite built by Boeing (BOES) with a configuration of HS-376HP and launched on September 27, 2003, from the ELA3 launch pad at Guiana Space Centre using an Ariane 5G launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 7.8 meters in length, 2.2 meters in diameter, and a span of 7.8 meters. It has a dry mass of 626 kg and a launch mass of 922 kg. Equipped with 20 active Ku-band transponders, the satellite's power is generated by solar cells (body mounted and drop-skirt) and batteries. Its design includes a cylindrical body with dish antennas and a radar cross-section (RCS) value of 3.1622. The mission has a projected lifetime of 10 years.
Physical Characteristics

Length

7.8

Diameter

2.2

Span

7.8

Dry Mass

626

Launch Mass

922

Shape

Cyl + Dish

Radar Cross Section

3.1622

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

e-Bird

Purpose

Communication

Mission

Communication

Manufacturer

BOES

Life Expectancy

10 years

Bus

HS-376HP

Configuration

Boeing BSS-376HP

Motor

Star 30

Equipment

20 active Ku-band transponders

Power System

Solar cells (body mounted and drop-skirt), batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Map
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