X Report 25 Mar 2025
SpaceX achieves new milestones with back-to-back launches for the NRO while preparing for groundbreaking crewed polar mission FRAM2.
O3B FM15 (43231)
COSPAR: 2018-024A | Alt Name: O3b FM15
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 9, 2018
Launch Site
FRGUI
Launch Pad
ELS
Launch Vehicle
Soyuz-ST-B
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
43231
International Designator
2018-024A
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:00:14 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
0.05°
Right Ascension
0.56°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
101.26°
Period
287.93 min
Mean Motion
5.00 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
O3B FM15
Alternative Name
O3b FM15
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
O3BS
Country
United Kingdom
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 43231U 18024A 26185.08349667 -.00000013 00000-0 00000-0 0 9998
2 43231 0.0522 0.5578 0002600 101.2630 258.2080 5.00115815151862
Source: Celestrak
Summary
O3B FM15 is a communication satellite manufactured by THALR for O3BS and was launched on March 9, 2018, from ELS in FRGUI using a Soyuz-ST-B launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 4 meters in length, 2 meters in diameter, and spans 12 meters with its deployable solar arrays which provide power along with batteries. It weighs 700 kg at launch and has a dry mass of 500 kg. O3B FM15 is equipped with 12 Ka-Band transponders for communication purposes and uses an LS-400 AOCS motor for attitude control. The satellite's operational lifespan is projected to be 10 years, following its stable date on the same day as launch.
Physical Characteristics
Length
4
Diameter
2
Span
12
Dry Mass
500
Launch Mass
700
Shape
Box trap+2 pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
O3b 15
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
THALR
Life Expectancy
10 years
Bus
Prisma
Configuration
ELiTeBus-1000
Motor
LS-400 AOCS
Equipment
12 Ka-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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Force Terminates $1.7B SCAR Contract, Relaunches | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force terminated its $1.7B SCAR ground antenna modernization contract and is relaunching competition. Delays extend reliance on aging legacy systems for MEO and GEO satellite command.
Artemis 2 Delayed by Upper Stage Issue, Falcon 9 Hits 33rd Flight | KeepTrack Space Brief
NASA delays Artemis 2 for SLS upper stage fix and pad rollback. SpaceX Falcon 9 booster shatters reuse record with 33rd flight. Tory Bruno joins Blue Origin for defense work.
Space Brief 28 Jul 2025
Today's highlights include SpaceX's rapid Starlink launches, insights into China's Mars sample return mission, and ULA's future launch plans. Also, a new Space Force general takes the reins of the U.S. missile defense program.
Understanding Earth's Orbits and Their Applications
Explore the dynamic realms of Earth's orbits, from LEO to GEO, unraveling the crucial roles they play in global communication, navigation, and surveillance.
X Report 7 May 2025
SpaceX achieves significant milestones with a successful Falcon 9 launch carrying 28 Starlink satellites and receives FAA approval for increased Starship launches, amidst challenges posed by India's new satellite regulations.
Space Brief 28 Nov 2024
Today's briefing covers China's announcement of the Beidou system upgrade, launch updates for Vega C, challenges to global GPS reliability, and delays in the VERITAS Venus mission.
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.