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Today's brief covers launches by SpaceX and mysterious Space Force missions, along with updates on Japan's moon lander and US-UAE defense deals.
FALCONSAT-3 (30776)
COSPAR: 2007-006E | Alt Name: Falconsat-3
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 9, 2007
Launch Site
Launch Pad
SLC41
Launch Vehicle
Atlas V 401
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
30776
International Designator
2007-006E
Decay Date
1/21/2023
Basic Satellite Info
Name
FALCONSAT-3
Alternative Name
Falconsat-3
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
AFSMC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
FALCONSAT-3, also known as Falconsat-3, is an experimental satellite launched on March 9, 2007, from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using the Atlas V 401 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 0.8 meters in length and has a diameter of 0.4 meters with a span of 4.5 meters, featuring a box shape with an antenna. It was manufactured by USAFA/SPQ for AFSMC (Air Force Space Command) and had a dry mass of 46 kilograms at launch. Equipped with FLAPS, PLANE, MPACS equipment and powered by solar cells and batteries, it uses Teflon-fueled pulsed plasma thrusters as its motor. The satellite's purpose is experimental, and its radar cross-section (RCS) is 0.463 square meters.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.8
Diameter
0.4
Span
4.5
Dry Mass
46
Launch Mass
46
Shape
Box + Ant
Radar Cross Section
0.463
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Falconsat-3
Purpose
Experimental
Mission
Experimental
Manufacturer
USAFA/SPQ
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Falconsat
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Teflon-fueled pulsed plasma thrusters
Equipment
FLAPS, PLANE, MPACS
Power System
Solar cells, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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