Space Brief 4 Sep 2024
Today's brief highlights SpaceX's Starlink launch, the sale of Telesat's remote communications services, advancements in hypersonic missile tracking, and more on satellite imagery from the NGA.
APSTAR-7 (38107)
COSPAR: 2012-013A | Alt Name: Apstar 7
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 31, 2012
Launch Site
XICLF
Launch Pad
LC2
Launch Vehicle
Chang Zheng 3B
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
38107
International Designator
2012-013A
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 03:59:06 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
0.03°
Right Ascension
85.72°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
24.26°
Period
1436.09 min
Mean Motion
1.00 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
APSTAR-7
Alternative Name
Apstar 7
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
APT
Country
China(Hong Kong)
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 38107U 12013A 26185.16604381 -.00000090 00000-0 00000-0 0 9997
2 38107 0.0311 85.7220 0003306 24.2558 308.4939 1.00271952 51973
Source: Celestrak
Summary
APSTAR-7, also known as Apstar 7, is a communication satellite manufactured by THALES and operated by APT (Asia Pacific Satellite Holdings Limited). It was launched on March 31, 2012, from Xichang Satellite Launch Center's LC2 launch pad using the Chang Zheng 3B launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of approximately 5 meters in length, a diameter of 2.5 meters, and a span of 30 meters due to its solar arrays. With a dry mass of 2,500 kg and an initial launch mass of 5,054 kg, APSTAR-7 was equipped with 28 C-band transponders and 28 Ku-band transponders for communication purposes. It features two deployable solar arrays and batteries for power generation. The satellite is designed to have a mission lifetime of 15 years and has an RCS (Reaction Control System) value of 0.003, indicating its maneuverability characteristics.
Physical Characteristics
Length
5
Diameter
2.5
Span
30
Dry Mass
2500
Launch Mass
5054
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
0.003
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Apstar 7
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
THALES
Life Expectancy
15 years
Bus
Spacebus 4000C2
Configuration
Spacebus-4000C2
Motor
S400
Equipment
28 C-band transponders, 28 Ku-band 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
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