Space Brief 21 Oct 2025
Today's brief covers the latest in satellite technology contracts, China's rocket launch ambitions, and new launch authorizations paving the way for space exploration advancements.
TURKSAT 5A (47306)
COSPAR: 2021-001A | Alt Name: Turksat 5A
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 8, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
47306
International Designator
2021-001A
Epoch
Thu, 02 Jul 2026 20:34:31 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
0.02°
Right Ascension
62.75°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
57.97°
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
TURKSAT 5A
Alternative Name
Turksat 5A
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
TURKS
Country
Turkey
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 47306U 21001A 26183.85730899 .00000165 00000-0 00000-0 0 9995
2 47306 0.0164 62.7497 0000225 57.9743 139.7319 1.00272199 20121
Source: Celestrak
Summary
TURKSAT 5A, also known as Turksat 5A, is a communication satellite owned by TURKS and manufactured by ADSB. It was launched on January 8, 2021, from the AFETR launch site using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle at LC40. The spacecraft has dimensions of 4.5 meters in length, 3 meters in diameter, and a span of 34 meters. Its dry mass is 2000 kg, with a launch mass of 3500 kg. TURKSAT 5A is equipped with Ku-band transponders and has 2 deployable solar arrays along with batteries for power supply. It operates on a Eurostar-3000EOR configuration and is expected to have a lifetime of 15 years. The satellite's shape can be described as box-shaped with two panels and is part of Turkey's communication infrastructure, serving both military and civilian needs.
Physical Characteristics
Length
4.5
Diameter
3
Span
34
Dry Mass
2000
Launch Mass
3500
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Turksat 5A
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
ADSB
Life Expectancy
15 years
Bus
Eurostar 3000EOR
Configuration
Eurostar-3000EOR
Motor
EOR
Equipment
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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