Astranis UtilitySat (62454)

COSPAR: 2024-252A | Alt Name: UtilitySat

Image
Astranis UtilitySat Satellite Image
Launch Details

Launch Date

December 29, 2024

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

SLC-40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

62454

International Designator

2024-252A

Epoch

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 23:53:35 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

9.14°

Right Ascension

326.33°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

256.75°

Period

1435.87 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

Astranis UtilitySat

Alternative Name

UtilitySat

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

Astranis

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

Launched on December 29, 2024, aboard a Falcon 9 rocket; designed for multiple relocations to serve various missions.

Latest TLEs
1 62454U 24252A   26197.99554528 -.00000142  00000+0  00000+0 0  9994
2 62454   9.1369 326.3258 7536513 256.7459  17.9070 01.00287842  5728

Source: Celestrak

Summary
The Astranis UtilitySat (NORAD_CAT_ID: 62454) is a MicroGEO configuration satellite owned and manufactured by Astranis for providing flexible broadband connectivity. Launched on December 29, 2024, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's SLC-40 pad using a Falcon 9 rocket, the UtilitySat has dimensions of 1.5 meters in length and diameter with a span of 10 meters when solar panels are deployed. It weighs 400 kg at launch and is designed for multiple relocations within the geostationary belt over its operational life. The satellite is equipped with a proprietary ultra-wideband software-defined radio that supports Ku, Ka, and Q/V bands, enabling flexible frequency allocation. Power comes from solar arrays with onboard battery storage, while propulsion includes both a chemical monopropellant system and an electric ion thruster. The UtilitySat's structure consists of aluminum and composite materials, with a silver color finish. Its mission focuses on offering versatile broadband services for disaster relief, capacity bridge needs, and surge requirements.
Physical Characteristics

Length

1.5

Diameter

1.5

Span

10

Dry Mass

400

Launch Mass

400

Shape

Box with deployable solar panels

Radar Cross Section

0.122

Visual Magnitude

5

Color

Silver

Material Composition

Aluminum and composite materials

Technical Details

Payload

Astranis Block 2-1

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

To provide flexible, on-demand broadband connectivity for various applications, including disaster relief, bridge capacity, and surge needs.

Manufacturer

Astranis

Life Expectancy

Designed for multiple relocations within the geostationary belt over its operational life.

Bus

MicroGEO

Configuration

UtilitySat

Motor

Dual-propulsion system comprising a chemical monopropellant system and an electric ion thruster.

Equipment

Equipped with a proprietary ultra-wideband software-defined radio, enabling flexible frequency allocation across Ku, Ka, and Q/V bands.

Power System

Powered by solar arrays, with energy storage in onboard batteries.

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Ku, Ka, and Q/V bands

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