Space Brief 3 Jun 2025
Today's highlights include China's remote-sensing satellite launch, U.S. Space Force's investment in missile-tracking satellites, and NASA's MAVEN milestone on Mars.
INMARSAT 4-F1 (28628)
COSPAR: 2005-009A | Alt Name: INMARSAT 4 F1
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 11, 2005
Launch Site
Launch Pad
SLC41
Launch Vehicle
Atlas V 431
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
28628
International Designator
2005-009A
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 21:37:28 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
5.19°
Right Ascension
42.77°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
63.31°
Period
1436.10 min
Mean Motion
1.00 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
INMARSAT 4-F1
Alternative Name
INMARSAT 4 F1
Type
Payload
Status
Partially operational
Owner
INMRL
Country
United Kingdom
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 28628U 05009A 26184.90102463 .00000042 00000-0 00000-0 0 9992
2 28628 5.1885 42.7715 0002874 63.3071 318.3239 1.00271768 77849
Source: Celestrak
Summary
INMARSAT 4-F1, also known as INMARSAT 4 F1, is a communication satellite operated by INMRL (International Mobile Satellite Organization). It was launched on March 11, 2005, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using an Atlas V 431 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 7 meters in length and 2.9 meters in diameter with a span of 45 meters. It weighs 5,940 kg at launch, with a dry mass of 3,000 kg. Equipped with L-band payload (all), GAGAN payload (#F3), EGNOS payload (#F2), and WAAS payload (#F3), the satellite serves communication purposes. The power supply comes from two deployable solar arrays and batteries. It was manufactured by ASTT (Alcatel Space Industries) and has a lifespan of 13 years.
Physical Characteristics
Length
7
Diameter
2.9
Span
45
Dry Mass
3000
Launch Mass
5940
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
5.0119
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
INMARSAT 4 F1
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
ASTT
Life Expectancy
13 years
Bus
Eurostar 3000GM
Configuration
Eurostar-3000GM
Motor
R-4D-15-375
Equipment
L-band payload (all); GAGAN payload (#F3); EGNOS payload (#F2); WAAS payload (#F3)
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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