Lagrange Points
Five spots in the Earth-Sun system where the gravitational tug of two massive bodies and the pull of circular motion all cancel out, creating gravitational parking spaces where spacecraft can sit for decades with almost no fuel.
COSMO-SKYMED 3 (33412)
COSPAR: 2008-054A | Alt Name: COSMO 3
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 25, 2008
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC2W
Launch Vehicle
Delta 7420-10C
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
33412
International Designator
2008-054A
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 06:34:31 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
97.83°
Right Ascension
44.13°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
203.54°
Period
95.55 min
Mean Motion
15.07 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
COSMO-SKYMED 3
Alternative Name
COSMO 3
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
ASI
Country
Italy
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 33412U 08054A 26185.27397951 .00003047 00000-0 20709-3 0 9990
2 33412 97.8263 44.1270 0014849 203.5417 156.5132 15.07059624959517
Source: Celestrak
Summary
COSMO-SKYMED 3, also known as COSMO 3, is an Earth observation satellite equipped with X-band (9.6 GHz) synthetic aperture radar (SAR). Launched on October 25, 2008, from AFWTR using a Delta 7420-10C launch vehicle from SLC2W, it has a configuration known as the Prima Bus and was manufactured by THALA. The satellite's dimensions are 1.4 meters in length and diameter with a span of 12 meters. It has a dry mass of 1700 kg and a launch mass of 1900 kg, powered by two deployable solar arrays and batteries. Its mission is Earth observation (Radar), with an expected lifetime of 5 years. The satellite is owned by ASI and operates under the BUS Prima.
Physical Characteristics
Length
1.4
Diameter
1.4
Span
12
Dry Mass
1700
Launch Mass
1900
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
3.9248
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
COSMO-Skymed 3
Purpose
Earth observation (Radar)
Mission
Earth observation (Radar)
Manufacturer
THALA
Life Expectancy
5 years
Bus
Prima
Configuration
Prima Bus
Motor
AOCS
Equipment
X-band (9.6 GHz) synthetic aperture radar (SAR)
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.
Space Brief 20 Mar 2025
Today's brief highlights critical discussions in military space readiness, potential satellite 'dogfighting' scenarios, international defense collaborations, and a notable communications satellite launch.
X Report 7 Dec 2024
SpaceX celebrates 300 successful booster landings, further solidifying its dominance in reusable rocket technology.
SpaceX Wins $57M Golden Dome Satellite Crosslink Deal | KeepTrack Space Brief
SpaceX secures $57 million military contract for Link-182 satellite crosslink demo supporting Golden Dome missile defense. Also joins software working group.
Space Brief 9 Jul 2025
Today's brief covers the U.S. Space Force's new international strategy, Northrop Grumman's Golden Dome project, and ULA's Vulcan launches, alongside military budget priorities.
Space Brief 20 Oct 2025
Today's Space Brief highlights Innospace's upcoming orbital launch, SpaceX's record-setting Starlink mission, China's Thousand Sails constellation, Atomic-6's new space armor, and developments in SpaceX's West Coast facilities.
Second Starlink Debris Anomaly in 3 Months | KeepTrack X Report
A second Starlink satellite malfunction in just over three months has generated on-orbit debris, raising fresh questions about SpaceX's 10,151-strong working constellation.
Block 3 Starship Prep Accelerates at Starbase | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX accelerates Block 3 Starship pad work at Starbase as Russia preps Soyuz-5 debut alongside Falcon 9 internet satellite launches.