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AEHF-3 (USA 246) (39256)
COSPAR: 2013-050A | Alt Name: AEHF SV-3
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 18, 2013
Launch Site
Launch Pad
SLC41
Launch Vehicle
Atlas V 531
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
39256
International Designator
2013-050A
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:44:33 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
5.33°
Right Ascension
67.03°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
187.69°
Period
1436.15 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
AEHF-3 (USA 246)
Alternative Name
AEHF SV-3
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
AFMCSW
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 39256U 13050A 26185.19761128 .00000039 00000-0 00000-0 0 9993
2 39256 5.3349 67.0291 0088289 187.6857 334.4345 1.00268350 45823
Source: Celestrak
Summary
AEHF-3 (USA 246), also known as AEHF SV-3, is a communication satellite manufactured by LMSS for AFMCSW and was launched on September 18, 2013, from SLC41 at AFETR using an Atlas V 531 launch vehicle. It has a length of 9.8 meters, diameter of 2 meters, and span of 27 meters with a dry mass of 4,000 kg and a launch mass of 6,200 kg. The satellite is equipped with two deployable 5-segment solar arrays and batteries for power generation and features a box plus two panel shape design. It has an RCS (Reaction Control System) value of 19.9526 and a mission lifetime expectancy of 14 years. Its purpose is to serve as a communications satellite, supporting strategic defense communications needs.
Physical Characteristics
Length
9.8
Diameter
2
Span
27
Dry Mass
4000
Launch Mass
6200
Shape
Box + 2 pan
Radar Cross Section
19.9526
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
AEHF SV-3
Purpose
Comsat
Mission
Comsat
Manufacturer
LMSS
Life Expectancy
14 years
Bus
A2100M
Configuration
A2100M
Motor
BT-4/AJ-EP
Equipment
?
Power System
2 deployable 5 segment 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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