AMC-21 (33275)

COSPAR: 2008-038B | Alt Name: AMC 21

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

August 14, 2008

Launch Site

FRGUI

Launch Pad

ELA3

Launch Vehicle

Ariane 5ECA

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

33275

International Designator

2008-038B

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 03:58:28 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

2.99°

Right Ascension

79.87°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

7.09°

Period

1454.40 min

Mean Motion

0.99 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot

3D Visualization

Basic Satellite Info

Name

AMC-21

Alternative Name

AMC 21

Type

Payload

Status

Non-operational

Owner

SESSL/SESG

Country

United Kingdom

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 33275U 08038B   26185.16561047  .00000073  00000-0  00000-0 0  9991

2 33275   2.9921  79.8664 0012596   7.0917 328.8302  0.99010009 65636

Source: Celestrak

Summary

AMC-21, also known as AMC 21 or Americom 21, is a communication satellite operated by SES (SESSL/SESG) and manufactured by OSCD (Orbital Sciences Corporation). It was launched on August 14, 2008, from the Guiana Space Centre using an Ariane 5ECA launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 3.2 meters in length, 2.3 meters in diameter, and a span of 22 meters when its solar arrays are deployed. It is equipped with 24 Ku-band transponders for communication purposes and powered by two deployable solar arrays along with batteries. AMC-21 has a dry mass of 1,161 kilograms and a launch mass of 2,473 kilograms. The satellite's design includes a box shape with two panels and is expected to have a lifetime of 16 years.

Physical Characteristics

Length

3.2

Diameter

2.3

Span

Dry Mass

1161

Launch Mass

2473

Shape

Box + 2 Pan

Radar Cross Section

19.9526

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Americom 21

Purpose

Communication

Mission

Communication

Manufacturer

OSCD

Life Expectancy

16 years

Bus

OSC Star 2.4

Configuration

Star-2 Bus

Motor

BT-4

Equipment

24 Ku-band transponders

Power System

2 deployable solar arrays, batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Map

This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.

Latitude

Longitude

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.

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 Brief 12 Feb 2025

Today's space brief covers SpaceX's latest Starlink missions, Satellogic's contract with Brazilian Air Force, OCX, and ATLAS project updates, and DARPA's insights on cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

Space Brief 22 Nov 2025

Today's brief covers Blue Origin's national security mission, a new missile interceptor project by Space Force, developments with Starship boosters, and more.

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.

X Report 19 Apr 2025

SpaceX faces regulatory review for Bahamian rocket landings, positions itself for a major government contract, and a new Star Wars Lego set adds to the fun!

10,374 Starlink Satellites in Orbit, X Report 6 May 2026

Starlink satellites in orbit May 2026: 10,374, with 10,358 working. Mission 17-29 lifts 24 more from Vandenberg and a satellite films the Starlink train.

Space Brief 25 Nov 2024

Today's brief highlights the need for better space debris management, multiple SpaceX Starlink launches, and NASA's upcoming lunar cargo delivery plans.

Musk Confirms Starmind AI Constellation, X Report 24 Jun 2026

Musk confirms Starmind, an AI satellite constellation targeting 1 million orbital compute nodes. Starfall's debut and Dragon's ISS departure follow.