Demystifying the USSPACECOM Two-Line Element Set Format
Discover the history and significance of Two-Line Element Sets (TLEs) in satellite tracking. Dive into their components, applications, and how they are evolving to meet future space challenges.
ORBCOMM FM40 (33065)
COSPAR: 2008-031F | Alt Name: Orbcomm Q4
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 19, 2008
Launch Site
KYMSC
Launch Pad
LC107
Launch Vehicle
Kosmos 11K65M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
33065
International Designator
2008-031F
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 01:42:43 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
48.44°
Right Ascension
302.64°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
239.75°
Period
97.03 min
Mean Motion
14.84 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
ORBCOMM FM40
Alternative Name
Orbcomm Q4
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
ORBC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 33065U 08031F 26185.07134238 .00002360 00000-0 30548-3 0 9993
2 33065 48.4410 302.6426 0006658 239.7470 290.4859 14.84130532970846
Source: Celestrak
Summary
ORBCOMM FM40, also known as Orbcomm Q4, is a communication satellite built by OHB/POLK and operated by ORBCOMM (ORBC). It was launched on June 19, 2008, from the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Missile Launch Site using a Kosmos 11K65M launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 1.4 meters in length and 0.6 meters in diameter with a span of 1.5 meters. It weighs 115 kg both at launch and dry mass, indicating no significant fuel use or loss during operation. Equipped with deployable solar arrays and batteries for power, it carries an Orbcomm payload and an AIS-receiver for communication M2M/IoT and traffic monitoring purposes. Its expected operational lifetime is between 8 to 10 years, and the satellite has a box plus antenna shape design with a radar cross-section (RCS) of 1.213 square meters.
Physical Characteristics
Length
1.4
Diameter
0.6
Span
1.5
Dry Mass
115
Launch Mass
115
Shape
Box + Ant
Radar Cross Section
1.213
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Orbcomm FM40
Purpose
Communication M2M/IoT, traffic monitoring
Mission
Communication M2M/IoT, traffic monitoring
Manufacturer
OHB/POLK
Life Expectancy
8-10 years
Bus
Sterkh
Configuration
Sterkh Bus
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Orbcomm payload, AIS-receiver
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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