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FORMOSAT-3 FM3 (29050)
COSPAR: 2006-011D | Alt Name: COSMIC 1-3
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 15, 2006
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC8
Launch Vehicle
Minotaur I
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
29050
International Designator
2006-011D
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 23:02:18 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
72.01°
Right Ascension
275.97°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
255.28°
Period
98.16 min
Mean Motion
14.67 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
FORMOSAT-3 FM3
Alternative Name
COSMIC 1-3
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
NSPO
Country
Taiwan
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 29050U 06011D 26184.95993650 .00001417 00000-0 25824-3 0 9998
2 29050 72.0138 275.9693 0044969 255.2810 104.3361 14.66996600 78836
Source: Celestrak
Summary
FORMOSAT-3 FM3, also known as COSMIC 1-3, is an Earth observation satellite launched by the National Space Organization (NSPO) of Taiwan on April 15, 2006, from the AFWTR launch site using a Minotaur I launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 1 meter in diameter with a span of 4.3 meters when its solar arrays are deployed. It features two deployable solar arrays for power generation along with batteries. The satellite has a dry mass of 56 kilograms and a launch mass of 62 kilograms. FORMOSAT-3 FM3 was manufactured by OSCD and designed to operate for 5 years, although it achieved an operational lifespan of 14 years. It is part of the Microstar configuration series with a cylindrical shape augmented by two panels, and its reflective surface area (RCS) is 0.5768 square meters.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.2
Diameter
1
Span
4.3
Dry Mass
56
Launch Mass
62
Shape
Cyl + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
0.5768
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
FORMOSAT 3 FM3
Purpose
Earth observation
Mission
Earth observation
Manufacturer
OSCD
Life Expectancy
5 years (design); 14 years (achieved)
Bus
Microstar
Configuration
MicroStar
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
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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