NordSpace Atlantic Spaceport Complex
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FORMOSAT-3 FM4 (29051)
COSPAR: 2006-011E | Alt Name: COSMIC 1-4
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 15, 2006
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC8
Launch Vehicle
Minotaur I
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
29051
International Designator
2006-011E
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 05:26:41 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
72.00°
Right Ascension
266.56°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
60.17°
Period
100.59 min
Mean Motion
14.32 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
FORMOSAT-3 FM4
Alternative Name
COSMIC 1-4
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
NSPO
Country
Taiwan
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 29051U 06011E 26185.22687341 .00000358 00000-0 14673-3 0 9990
2 29051 72.0040 266.5585 0064414 60.1707 300.5813 14.31552609 57704
Source: Celestrak
Summary
FORMOSAT-3 FM4, also known as COSMIC 1-4, is an Earth observation satellite launched on April 15, 2006, from AFWTR SLC8 using the Minotaur I launch vehicle. It has a configuration and bus type of MicroStar with dimensions including a length of 0.2 meters, diameter of 1 meter, and span of 4.3 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 56 kilograms, while its launch mass was 62 kilograms. Manufactured by OSCD for NSPO, the satellite has two deployable solar arrays and batteries for power supply. Its shape consists of a cylinder with two panels, and it achieved an operational lifetime of 14 years despite being designed for a five-year mission.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.2
Diameter
1
Span
4.3
Dry Mass
56
Launch Mass
62
Shape
Cyl + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
0.545
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
FORMOSAT 3 FM4
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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