Space Brief 16 Jun 2025
Today's update covers NASA's Ax-4 mission preparations, ESA's satellite imaging program, Ursa Major's military contract, and China's expanding nuclear arsenal.
GSAT-3 (EDUSAT) (28417)
COSPAR: 2004-036A | Alt Name: EDUSAT
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 20, 2004
Launch Site
SRILR
Launch Pad
FLP
Launch Vehicle
GSLV Mk I
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
28417
International Designator
2004-036A
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 23:04:53 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
11.39°
Right Ascension
41.21°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
159.24°
Period
1450.62 min
Mean Motion
0.99 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
GSAT-3 (EDUSAT)
Alternative Name
EDUSAT
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
ISRO
Country
India
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 28417U 04036A 26184.96173444 -.00000270 00000-0 00000-0 0 9994
2 28417 11.3911 41.2135 0003061 159.2390 192.0859 0.99267967 79279
Source: Celestrak
Summary
GSAT-3 (also known as EDUSAT) is an experimental communication satellite operated by ISRO and was launched on September 20, 2004, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre using the GSLV Mk I launch vehicle. The spacecraft has a configuration based on the I-2K bus with dimensions of 2.4 meters in length, 1.6 meters in diameter, and spans 10.9 meters when deployed. It has a dry mass of 820 kilograms and a launch mass of 1950 kilograms. GSAT-3 is equipped with 6 Ku-band and 6 extended C-band transponders for communication purposes. The satellite's power system includes two deployable solar arrays and batteries, contributing to its operation over a seven-year lifetime. Its shape consists of a box structure complemented by two panels.
Physical Characteristics
Length
2.4
Diameter
1.6
Span
10.9
Dry Mass
820
Launch Mass
1950
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
4.6034
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
GSAT-3
Purpose
Experimental Communication
Mission
Experimental Communication
Manufacturer
ISRO
Life Expectancy
7 years
Bus
I2K
Configuration
I-2K (I-2000) Bus
Motor
ISRO LAM
Equipment
6 Ku-band, 6 ext. C-band transponders
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 17 Apr 2025
Today's brief covers the redeployment of decommissioned missile technologies to orbital duties, Germany's plans for a sovereign communications network, and fresh developments in hypersonic testing through Rocket Lab.
X Report 18 Jan 2025
SpaceX faces setbacks with Starship Flight 7 as FAA launches an investigation, while future transportation policies might impact SpaceX operations. Meanwhile, the Starlink constellation continues strong.
X Report 28 Feb 2025
SpaceX postpones Starship Flight 8, successfully launches Starlink satellites and two lunar missions.
10 Surprising Facts About SpaceX
Discover lesser-known aspects of SpaceX's history, achievements, and innovations that have shaped the commercial space industry over the past two decades.
Gunter's Space Page
Why this unassuming website has become the backbone of space research for enthusiasts and professionals alike
X Report 27 Nov 2024
SpaceX secures FCC nod for Starlink's direct-to-phone connectivity, lands NASA's Dragonfly mission, and sees new competition with the ZhuQue-2E launch.
X Report 3 Apr 2025
Exciting advancements from SpaceX's Fram2 mission and the pivotal role of biotech in space exploration.