Space Brief 25 Mar 2025
Today's brief covers SpaceX's launch of a secret US spy satellite, national security satellite launches, and Japan's missile ambitions. Also highlighted are Estonia's AI defense upgrades and autonomous airpower in Australia.
SYRACUSE 3B (29273)
COSPAR: 2006-033B | Alt Name: Syracuse 3B
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 11, 2006
Launch Site
FRGUI
Launch Pad
ELA3
Launch Vehicle
Ariane 5ECA
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
29273
International Designator
2006-033B
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 05:29:17 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
2.95°
Right Ascension
80.00°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
331.57°
Period
1460.04 min
Mean Motion
0.99 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SYRACUSE 3B
Alternative Name
Syracuse 3B
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
DGA
Country
France
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 29273U 06033B 26185.22867071 -.00000029 00000-0 00000-0 0 9992
2 29273 2.9489 79.9951 0002526 331.5698 345.6437 0.98627174 72822
Source: Celestrak
Summary
SYRACUSE 3B, also known as Syracuse 3B, is a military communication satellite manufactured by ALCAF and operated by DGA. Launched on August 11, 2006, from the ELA3 launch pad in French Guiana using an Ariane 5ECA rocket, this spacecraft has a bus configuration of Spacebus 4000B3. It measures 4 meters in length and 2.3 meters in diameter with a span of 29.5 meters due to its deployable solar arrays which provide power along with batteries. The satellite's dry mass is 1658 kilograms, while it had an initial launch mass of 3750 kilograms. Equipped with SHF and EHF transponders for communication purposes, SYRACUSE 3B has a reflective surface area (RCS) of 4.4668 square meters and is shaped like a box with two panels. Its mission is dedicated to military communications.
Physical Characteristics
Length
4
Diameter
2.3
Span
29.5
Dry Mass
1658
Launch Mass
3750
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
4.4668
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Syracuse 3B
Purpose
Military communication
Mission
Military communication
Manufacturer
ALCAF
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Spacebus 4000B3
Configuration
Spacebus-4000B3
Motor
S400
Equipment
SHF and EHF 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.
Falcon 9 Booster Sets 33-Flight Reuse Record, X Report 23 Feb 2026
Falcon 9 booster reuse record: SpaceX's most-flown booster flew a 33rd flight Feb 21 with 28 Starlink V2 Minis. Two launches in a day; 9,779 on orbit.
SpaceX Blocks Unauthorized Russian Starlink Terminals | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX disables Starlink terminals used by Russian troops after Ukrainian coordination. Crew-12 delayed to Feb 13 by weather. 24 Starlink satellites launched from Vandenberg.
Space Brief 13 Jul 2025
Today's Space Brief covers key topics including new defense mandates for space, Firefly Aerospace's public filing, major funding for Varda Space Industries, and updates on SpaceX's Crew-11 mission and a mystery satellite launch.
X Report 15 Apr 2025
SpaceX sets a new rocket-reuse record and prepares for upcoming launches, maintaining the momentum in Starlink satellite deployments.
Space Brief 27 May 2025
Today's Space Brief highlights advances in satellite communication for defense, regulatory changes for Starlink in South Africa, SpaceX's ongoing Starlink launches, and a significant contract for a Chinese satellite constellation.
Space Force Gets $26B in Defense Bill, Golden Dome Initiative Funded | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force allocated $26B in 2026 defense appropriations backing Golden Dome initiative. FY26 defense bill adds $8B but sidelines $28B munitions request. First Qatari-Emirati joint defense venture formed.
GAO Warns Space Force Satellite Costs Rising, Workforce Cuts Add Risk | KeepTrack Space Brief
GAO flags growing cost problems across Space Force satellite portfolio with workforce reductions compounding risks to missile-warning constellations like NGG and SWAT.