Space Brief 25 Jun 2025
Today's highlights include the launch of a U.S. military satellite via SpaceX, a new French defense agreement for satellite services, and the Missile Defense Agency's successful ICBM target tracking with long-range radar.
EUTELSAT 113 WEST A (29162)
COSPAR: 2006-020A | Alt Name: Satmex 6
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 27, 2006
Launch Site
FRGUI
Launch Pad
ELA3
Launch Vehicle
Ariane 5ECA
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
29162
International Designator
2006-020A
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:40:33 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
2.43°
Right Ascension
81.75°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
338.16°
Period
1455.50 min
Mean Motion
0.99 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
EUTELSAT 113 WEST A
Alternative Name
Satmex 6
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
SAMX
Country
Mexico
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 29162U 06020A 26185.19483794 .00000056 00000-0 00000-0 0 9996
2 29162 2.4300 81.7522 0003959 338.1633 153.9802 0.98935083 73530
Source: Celestrak
Summary
EUTELSAT 113 WEST A, also known as Satmex 6, is a communication satellite manufactured by LOR and launched on May 27, 2006, from the ELA3 launch pad at the Guiana Space Center using an Ariane 5ECA launch vehicle. With a dry mass of 2,310 kg and a launch mass of 5,456 kg, it is equipped with 36 C-band transponders and 24 Ku-band transponders for communication purposes. The satellite has dimensions of 7.4 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter, with a span of 31.4 meters due to its two deployable solar arrays and batteries for power generation. It operates on a SSL-1300X bus configuration, designed to have a lifespan of approximately 15 years. The satellite is owned by SAMX and was launched under the mission name Satmex 6.
Physical Characteristics
Length
7.4
Diameter
2.8
Span
31.4
Dry Mass
2310
Launch Mass
5456
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
70.5332
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Satmex 6
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
LOR
Life Expectancy
15 years
Bus
SSL-1300X
Configuration
SSL-1300X
Motor
R-4D-15-300
Equipment
36 C-band transponders, 24 Ku-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.
Starlink Constellation Size Hits 9,931, X Report 7 Mar 2026
Starlink constellation size in 2026: 9,931 satellites in orbit, 9,920 working from 11,463 launched. Starlink 17-18 adds 25 more from Vandenberg.
X Report 17 Sep 2025
Today’s highlights include successful Falcon 9 launch for MECANO ID, ongoing Starship Block 3 development, and plans for direct-to-device testing next year.
Atlas 5 Retires After Final 551 Flight to Amazon Kuiper | KeepTrack Space Brief
ULA launches the final Atlas 5 551 configuration—its heaviest variant with 5 solid boosters—carrying Amazon's Project Kuiper satellite to low Earth orbit from Cape Canaveral.
Vulcan Centaur Launches GSSAP Surveillance Satellites for Space Force | KeepTrack Space Brief
ULA Vulcan Centaur launches USSF-87 with two GSSAP surveillance satellites to near-GEO orbit. NRO expands commercial imaging. Integrate raises $17M for classified platform.
SpaceX Acquires xAI, Starlink Bypasses Iran Internet Blackouts | KeepTrack Space Brief
SpaceX acquires xAI to develop orbital data centers. Starlink terminals bypass Iran's government internet blackouts. Blue Origin escalates defense procurement criticism.
SpaceX Launches GPS Satellite Tonight, Starship V3 Targets Mid-March | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX to launch GPS III SV09 satellite for Space Force at 11:38 p.m. EST from Cape Canaveral. Musk confirms Starship V3 with Raptor V3 engines targets mid-March first flight.
Space Brief 21 Nov 2025
Today's brief covers the Space Force's strategic roadmap, a groundbreaking DARPA mission in Very Low Earth Orbit, and enhanced cyber defenses due to AI-driven threats.