Orbital Focus - International Spaceflight Facts and Figures
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Launches and Orbital Operations


Tyneside, UK
2024 Mar 29
Friday, Day 89

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Orbital elements based on amateur observations

Satellite observers' discussion group

Database of amateur observations using radio

Primary source of unclassified orbital elements
2012 - Launches to Orbit and Beyond

Listed are launches, irrespective of outcome, that were irretrievably committed to flight towards orbit or intended to accelerate the payload to escape velocity. The following notes should help with understanding the launch lists.

Launch times are in UTC and are from the launching agency or estimated by 'walking back' along the ground track to the launch site. Most orbit data and decay information comes from SpaceTrack but it occasionally contains inconsistencies (eg - incorrect re-entry dates or early sets of elements allocated to the wrong object) that need to be corrected from other sources.

To fill the gaps where elements are not formally published, usually because they have a classification of "Secret", some orbits are based on amateur observations using visual and radio techniques. Such data is published near-daily by Mike McCants, and the source observations along with observers' derived orbits can often be found in the web-based Seesat-L discussion group. Occasionally, early orbit data are published by satellite owners. In extreme cases, orbits are estimated from public data.

Space-Track occasionally fails to allocate names to objects in its catalogue. The SATNOGS online database of radio observations sometimes provides pointers to which Catalogue Number belongs to a satellite being tracked by its contributors.

Apogee and perigee are measured against a spherical Earth situated at the focus of the orbital ellipse and with a radius of 6378.145 km. Shown is the Anomalistic Period, or time to complete one circuit of the ellipse. It is not the same as the time taken to complete one circuit of the Earth. Care should be exercised when comparing with other published orbits because they may have been derived using a different model.

Users can go straight to specific launches by pointing to the page URL followed by the three digit launch number, eg - https://www.OrbitalFocus/Diaries/Launches/Launches.php?year=2012#001


2012-001
CZ 4B
Taiyuan Space Centre
2012 Jan 9, 03:17
Ziyuan-3 01
2012-001A
38046
in space
Chinese government satellite for Earth observation including 3D-Imaging.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2012 Jan 09, 14:1768760.000749350394.5797.5026610:25
2012 Jan 18, 11:4368810.000849750894.6797.4921210:25
2023 Feb 13, 09:4768770.000249850094.6097.319510:03
Vesselsat 2
2012-001B
38047
Re-entered - 2016 Oct 27
Life 1753 days
Small satellite built by Luxspace (of Luxembourg), carrying two receivers for the Automatic Identification System for ships (AIS).

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Jan 09, 14:1768730.000849050194.5297.50296


2012-002
CZ 3A
Xichang Space Centre
2012 Jan 13, 00:56
Fengyun 2F (Fengyun 2-05)
2012-002A
38049
in space
Meteorological imaging and climate monitoring satellite. Fengyun 2F separated from the launch vehicle at 01:20 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2012 Jan 13, 12:57244470.724336335774634.0024.33181
2012 Jan 19, 11:36421620.000635759358081435.952.41267112° east
2023 Feb 13, 04:07421690.000235783357981436.294.38296112° east


2012-003
Delta 4 Medium+ 5,4 (Delta 358)
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
2012 Jan 20, 00:38
USA 233 (Wideband Global SATCOM 4)
2012-003A
38070
in space
First Block II Wideband Global SATCOM vehicle, providing communications links for troops in the field. The service area is reported to be the Middle East. A major improvement in the Block II satellites is transmission of airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance imagery at approximately three times the data rate available through the Block I satellites. Operated jointly by the US DoD and the Australian Department of Defense. Launched at the beginning of a 34 minute window, separated from the launch vehicle at 01:18 UTC. Initial orbit shown is an estimate, by Ted Molczan, for the Delta final stage around the time of satellite separation. Remaing orbital data is based on amateur observations.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
estimated orbit400890.8299439669821331.3624.00178
2012 Jan 31, 00:00553850.320231274667392161.950.63193
2012 Feb 03, 08:14426860.119431210414061462.810.17209
2012 Feb 03, 14:37421790.108531225403771436.830.17214
2012 Mar 05, 15:42421650.040034100374741436.120.05185125° west
2023 Feb 13, 10:04421660.000035786357891436.140.0121488° east


2012-004
Soyuz-U 11A511U
Baikonur Cosmodrome
2012 Jan 25, 23:06
Progress M-14M (Progress 7K-TGM №414)
2012-004A
38073
Re-entered - 2012 Apr 28
Life 94 days
Supplies to ISS. Precise launch time: 23:06:40 UTC. Docked with the Pirs module 28 Jan 00:08:54 UTC, fourteen seconds later than planned, with hooks and latches engaged about nine minutes later. Undocking instruction to hooks and latches issued 2012 Apr 19 at 11:01 UTC. Undocked 11:03:38 UTC and a thruster firing for 15s at 11:06:30 ensured orbital separation. For nine days, Progress M-14M will conduct an autonomous mission under the Radar-Progress experiment. Several firings of thrusters will be made in order for their ionospheric effects to be observed from the ground using radar.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Jan 25, 22:5565930.004418624488.7951.6288
2012 Jan 26, 06:2966410.004123629089.7651.642
2012 Jan 28, 14:4667680.002237540592.3651.64335
2012 Apr 19, 13:4967710.000638939892.4251.65310
2012 Apr 19, 21:3167770.001538940892.5351.64293


2012-005
Safir 1-B
Ayatollah Khomeini SC
2012 Feb 3, 00:04
Navid (Navid-e-Elm va Sana't)
2012-005A
38075
Re-entered - 2012 Apr 1
Life 58 days
Imaging satellite with 400m resolution. The mass is 50kg. Intended orbit announced in advance as 250 x 375 km, 55° inclination. Early reports said the design may include an onboard thruster to circularise the orbit at 375 km but this now seems unlikely. The full name means 'Promise of Science and Industry'. February 8, Navid reportedly returned its first image.Launch time is an estimate but should be within ±1 minute, re-entered naturally 2012 Apr 1 19:09 UTC ±2 min.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Feb 03, 19:3467030.007427637491.0356.02133


2012-006
Vega (VV-01)
Centre Spatiale Guyanaise
2012 Feb 13, 10:00
LaReS (Laser Relativity Satellite)
2012-006A
38077
in space
Italian Space Agency (ASI) passive satellite with a high density, made of 390 kg of tungsten and being 0.364m in diameter. It has 92 corner cube laser reflectors to be used for extremely accurate measurement of range. Its purpose is to help study aspects of the theory of relativity. Separated from launch vehicle at 10:55 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Feb 14, 14:3778220.001114351453114.7569.49298
ALMASat-1 (Alma Mater Satellite)
2012-006B
38078
Re-entered - 2020 Apr 25
Life 2994 days
University of Bologna demonstration mission of a standard, 12.5 kg, satellite bus for future missions. Separated from launch vehicle at 11:10 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Feb 13, 22:0372570.07763161442102.5369.4944
e-st@r
2012-006C
38079
Re-entered - 2015 Jan 16
Life 1068 days
1U Cubesat produced by Politecnico di Torino, Italy as demonstration of an active 3-axis Attitude Determination and Control system including an inertial measurement unit.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Feb 13, 22:0272530.07813081441102.4569.4944
Goliat
2012-006D
38080
Re-entered - 2014 Dec 31
Life 1052 days
1U Cubesat constructed by the University of Bucharest, Romania for imaging of the Earth surface using a digital camera and in-situ measurement of radiation dose and micrometeoroid flux.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Feb 13, 22:0272540.07803101441102.4769.4844
MaSat 1 (Magyar Satellite/OSCAR 72)
2012-006E
38081
Re-entered - 2015 Jan 9
Life 1061 days
1U Cubesat from Budapest University of Technology and Economics to demonstrate various spacecraft avionics, including a power conditioning system, transceiver and on-board data handling.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Feb 14, 04:5272540.07793101441102.4769.4843
Xatcobeo
2012-006F
38082
Re-entered - 2014 Aug 31
Life 930 days
1U Cubesat, a collaboration of the University of Vigo and INTA, Spain to demonstrate software-defined radio and solar panel deployment.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Feb 13, 20:2072540.07813101442102.4869.4844
PW-Sat
2012-006G
38083
Re-entered - 2014 Oct 28
Life 988 days
1U Cubesat built by Warsaw University of Technology, Poland to test a deployable atmospheric drag augmentation device (solar sail!) for de-orbiting CubeSats.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Feb 13, 23:4572540.07803101441102.4769.4844
Robusta
2012-006H
38084
Re-entered - 2015 Jan 28
Life 1080 days
1U Cubesat produced by the University of Montpellier, France to test and evaluate radiation effects (low dose rate) on bipolar transistor electronic components.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Feb 13, 22:0272540.07803101442102.4869.4844
UNICubeSat GG (University CubeSat - Gravity Gradient)
2012-006J
38085
Re-entered - 2015 Feb 16
Life 1099 days
1U Cubesat from Universitá di Roma ‘La Sapienza’ to study gravity gradient stabilisation using symmetrically deployed booms and measure atmospheric density, each boom is fitted with a flat plate in the form of a solar panel.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Feb 13, 22:0372540.07823091443102.4869.4944


2012-007
Proton-M + Briz-M
Baikonur Cosmodrome
2012 Feb 14, 19:36
SES 4 (NSS-14)
2012-007A
38087
in space
Comsat to provide services to Africa, Europe and the Middle East. Commercial launch contracted by International Launch Services. Precise time: 19:36:37 UTC. Released from the launch vehicle Feb 15 at 04:48:22 UTC, following the fifth firing of the Briz-M. Orbits prior to Feb 17 are based on data provided by Proton Mission Control. Expected location - 22° west longitude to replace NSS 7 that will move to 20° west.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2012 Feb 14, 19:5265530.000117417587.9851.55175
2012 Feb 14, 21:0290120.26242694998141.9050.32350
2012 Feb 14, 23:24244770.721943035769635.2049.10355
2012 Feb 15, 04:35260780.6154365135748698.5024.540
2012 Feb 17, 15:10287310.4666894635759807.7613.441
2012 Feb 18, 15:21317540.32711499035763938.567.601
2012 Feb 19, 17:38344900.221620469357551062.424.481
2012 Feb 21, 18:43353360.192222166357501101.763.820
2012 Feb 22, 04:56371860.132825869357481189.412.411
2012 Feb 23, 12:31415950.012434702357321407.090.11835° west
2012 Feb 24, 22:35419740.002835479357131426.360.06528° west
2012 Feb 27, 23:02421240.000435729357621433.990.125026° west
2012 Apr 01, 04:48421650.000135781357921436.100.0516926° west
2012 Apr 12, 03:15420970.000035718357191432.630.0323324° west
2012 Apr 17, 04:04421650.000135781357921436.090.034822° west
2023 Feb 13, 01:46421650.000235776357971436.100.0226422° west
Briz-M
2012-007B
38088
in space
The second orbit shown is after fuel depletion firings.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Feb 15, 10:21260820.6159363935769698.6724.510
2012 Feb 16, 07:58248200.6206303933846648.5925.083
Briz-M APT
2012-007C
38089
in space
Jettisoned from Briz-M between third and fourth firings.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Feb 15, 21:33137600.512932414440267.7449.60353


2012-008
CZ 3C
Xichang Space Centre
2012 Feb 24, 16:12
Beidou 11 (Beidou-2 G-5)
2012-008A
38091
in space
Phase 1 operational satellite in China's navigation satellite system. It also provides time and messaging services for the Asia-Pacific region from geosynchronous orbit. Its initial geosynchronous location was not one of the expected operational slots so the satellite may be an on-orbit spare.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2012 Feb 26, 16:05245280.730323736064637.1821.14182
2012 Mar 01, 00:44422240.002235751359401439.131.8830959° east
2012 Mar 05, 05:08421660.000335776357991436.151.871259° east
2023 Feb 13, 03:02421650.001335731358431436.122.1230959° east
CZ 3B fourth stage
2012-008B
38092
Re-entered - 2012 Nov 25
Life 275 days
Launched Beidou 11

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Feb 25, 18:57244290.732715135950633.3020.70180


2012-009
Atlas V 551, AV-030
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
2012 Feb 24, 22:15
MUOS 1 (Mobile User Objective System 1)
2012-009A
38093
in space
New generation of narrowband tactical comsat for geosynchronous orbit, designed to work with highly portable receiver/transmitter equipment. First satellite in a constellation of five. Released from Centaur, launch vehicle final stage, Feb 24 at 01:16:41 UTC. Expected location - 177º west, arrived on location around 2012 Mar 25.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2013 Jan 01, 00:00421650.005235568360061436.124.79183177° west
2023 Feb 12, 15:57421650.005635550360241436.103.24356100° west
Centaur rocket stage
2012-009B
38094
in space
Launched MUOS 1.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Feb 25, 04:15260000.6211347235772695.3818.99179


2012-010
Ariane 5ES (VA-205)
Centre Spatiale Guyanaise
2012 Mar 23, 04:34
ATV 3 (Edoardo Amaldi)
2012-010A
38096
Re-entered - 2012 Oct 3
Life 194 days
European Space Agency cargo carrier to the ISS. It was named after Italian physicist Edoardo Amaldi who was also a driving force in the foundation of the European Space Research Organisation (ESRO), a predecessor of ESA. Precise launch time 04:34:05 UTC. Docked with the aft port of Zvezda Mar 28 at 22:31:17, slighly ahead of the target 22:33:20 UTC. Undocked 2012 Sep 28 at 21:44 UTC. Destructive re-entry after retro-fire 2012 Oct 3 resulted in any unburnt fragments hitting the southern Pacific Ocean at 01:28 UTC. Re-entry was monitored by an onboard Re-entry Breakup Recorder (REBR).

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
estimated orbit65770.008714225788.4851.6348
2012 Mar 23, 06:0666310.000225125489.5651.63276
2012 Mar 24, 08:0466580.001427028990.1051.64182
2012 Mar 25, 07:4666630.001827329790.2251.62170
2012 Mar 27, 03:3066670.001527829990.2951.64188
2012 Mar 28, 11:2767480.001536038091.9551.64194
2012 Mar 28, 23:1467670.001537839992.3351.64208


2012-011
Proton-M + Briz-M
Baikonur Cosmodrome
2012 Mar 25, 12:10
Intelsat 22
2012-011A
38098
in space
Comsat for geosynchronous orbit to cover Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Southern Asia. Also carried is a UHF payload (VHF in reality) to provide military communications for the Australian Defence Force. It will be operated by Intelsat under a Hosted Payload contract with the Australian government. Precise launch time - 12:10:32 UTC. Separated from the Briz-M stage Mar 26 at 03:40:20 UTC, twelve seconds earlier than planned. Element sets for Mar 25/26 courtesy of Khrunichev. Expected location - 72° east.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2012 Mar 25, 13:2765550.000617318188.0351.58238
2012 Mar 25, 14:2095230.29932955996154.1551.06175
2012 Mar 25, 16:54390680.8257433649471280.8450.38180
2012 Mar 26, 03:28407160.75043783648921362.7128.44180
2012 Mar 29, 11:34420930.69066645647851432.4421.16181
2012 Mar 31, 17:42449060.584312289647661578.3913.17181
2012 Apr 04, 14:42552400.289332880648432153.472.62183
2012 Apr 09, 19:06424720.007335786364021451.840.0825571° east
2012 Apr 16, 19:13421650.000135785357901436.120.0618563° east
2012 May 01, 16:49420120.000235627356421428.320.0115268° east
2012 May 07, 14:25421650.000135781357921436.110.0317972° east
2023 Feb 13, 10:00421650.000335776357971436.090.0222872° east


2012-012
Proton-K + Blok DM-2
Baikonur Cosmodrome
2012 Mar 30, 05:49
Cosmos 2479 (Oko, US-KMO №8)
2012-012A
38101
in space
Second generation missile detection and early warning satellite in geosynchronous orbit. Delayed from mid-February. Separated from the launch vehicle at 12:27 UTC. Final Oko satellite. The series is to replaced by the EKS satellite. Launch also reported to be the final one for both the Proton-K (debut 1967) and for the Block DM upper stage. First orbit listed is the transfer from LEO while the satellite and the Block DM stage were still joined together.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2012 Mar 30, 07:06244430.730122035911633.8749.28360
2012 Mar 30, 17:29422930.000435898359321442.672.2722390° east
2012 Apr 10, 03:30421780.002535696359041436.792.2628981° east
2023 Feb 12, 18:54421610.000435765358011435.916.01253157° east


2012-013
CZ 3B/E
Xichang Space Centre
2012 Mar 31, 10:27
APStar 7
2012-013A
38107
in space
Comsat covering the Asia Pacific Region, Africa, the Middle East and part of Europe. Replacement for Apstar 2R. Separated from the launch vehicle at 10:52 UTC. Expected location - 76°.5 east.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2012 Mar 31, 13:19315550.790323850116929.7527.42179
2012 Apr 22, 00:16421650.000135783357901436.090.0514382° east
2012 May 06, 20:23422470.000135864358741440.310.0321181° east
2012 May 12, 22:13421650.000035786357871436.090.047377° east
2023 Feb 13, 10:01421650.000335776357981436.100.0221677° east


2012-014
Delta 4 Medium+ 5,2 (Delta 359)
Vandenberg Air Force Base
2012 Apr 3, 23:12
USA 234 (Topaz 2, FIA Radar 2)
2012-014A
38109
in space
US reconnaissance satellite, part of the only remaining element of the Future Imaging Architecture programme, equipped with an imaging radar. Commercial launch by United Launch Alliance. Precise launch time 23:12:57 UTC, the launch vehicle upper stage was de-orbited into the Indian Ocean near Antarctica. Orbital elements unlikely to be released by SpaceTrack - orbits are determined from amateur observations.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Apr 04, 21:4374660.001410771099107.00122.99198
2013 Nov 25, 04:5474820.000211021105107.35123.00224


2012-F01 - failed to reach orbit
Unha 3
Sohae Launch Centre
2012 Apr 12, 22:38
Kwangmyongsong 3 (Lodestar 3)
Reportedly for remote sensing. Aimed at 500km sun-synchronous orbit with descending node at 06:50 local time, mass 100 kg. Lost as the result of a launch vehicle failure around the end of the stage 1 firing or at stage 2 separation. Precise launch time 22:38:55 UTC.


2012-015
Soyuz-U 11A511U
Baikonur Cosmodrome
2012 Apr 20, 12:50
Progress M-15M (Progress 7K-TGM №415)
2012-015A
38222
Re-entered - 2012 Aug 20
Life 122 days
Supplies to ISS. Precise launch time 12:50:24 UTC, the initial orbit shown is an estimate. The rapid ascent during the first few hours was a test of the fast approach trajectory to be used on later missions for a quick arrival at the ISS. Expected to dock automatically with the Pirs module Apr 22 at 14:41 UTC ±3 min, the actual event occurred about one minute earlier at 14:39:33 UTC. Undocked Jun 22 at 20:25:42 UTC in preparation for testing the new Kurs-NA rendezvous system. Re-docking with the Pirs module was expected Jul 24 at 01:58 UTC but a problem during the approach caused Progress to enter safe mode and call off the rendezvous. New attempt successful with docking Jul 29 at 01:00 UTC. Undocked for final departure Jul 30 at 21:19:19 UTC. Retrofire Aug 20 at 15:17 UTC followed by destructive re-entry over southern Pacific Ocean with any unburnt fragments reaching the ocean surface at 16:12 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Apr 20, 12:3966000.004119524988.9351.6278
2012 Apr 20, 14:0766380.005522429689.7151.61186
2012 Apr 20, 15:5466500.003724829789.9651.61189
2012 Apr 20, 20:3266540.004524630690.0351.64205
2012 Apr 21, 18:4866560.003725330290.0751.65212
2012 Apr 23, 13:0967700.000838639792.3951.64309
2012 Jul 22, 13:1367810.000140340492.6351.64286
2012 Jul 24, 04:5567640.002836740592.2751.64194
2012 Jul 24, 07:5767890.001739942392.7851.67221
2012 Jul 24, 17:2967810.000839840892.6251.63224
2012 Jul 31, 03:1667920.001540442492.8451.6113


2012-016
Proton-M + Briz-M
Baikonur Cosmodrome
2012 Apr 23, 22:18
Yahsat 1B
2012-016A
38245
in space
Commercial comsat to serve customers in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Southeast Asia with HDTV and broadband internet access. It also carries secure military communications. Precise launch time - 22:18:13 UTC. Payload was released from the launch vehicle Apr 24 at 07:30:13 UTC. Orbital elements for Apr 23 and 24 courtesy of Khrunichev and relate to the period Yahsat was still attched to the Briz-M. Expected location - 50°.5 or 47°.5 east longitude.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2012 Apr 23, 22:3465510.000017217387.9451.55175
2012 Apr 23, 23:4390120.26232694997141.8950.32355
2012 Apr 24, 05:06244820.721943035777635.3549.100
2012 Apr 24, 07:17262010.6081389035755703.4423.740
2012 May 03, 19:46421730.000235785358041436.520.0111447° east
2023 Feb 13, 07:41421650.000335776357981436.120.0223648° east


2012-017
PSLV-XL (PSLV C-19)
Satish Dhawan Space Centre
2012 Apr 26, 00:17
RISat 1 (Radar Imaging Satellite)
2012-017A
38248
in space
Radar Imaging Satellite. Date slipped significantly due to organisation and management problems within ISRO. The previous vehicle, RiSat 2 (2009-019A/34807), was launched in 2009 under an accelerated development programme and had a reconnaissance mission.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2012 Apr 26, 07:5668510.001146548194.0697.6328205:50
2012 Apr 27, 07:3168620.001847149694.2897.6122305:51
2012 Apr 27, 15:3168790.001549051194.6297.6131205:51
2012 Apr 28, 03:5468970.001650853095.0197.6022305:51
2012 Apr 29, 03:4169180.001453054995.4497.5931905:51
2023 Feb 13, 11:5769020.000552052795.1197.5513006:20
PSLV upper stage
2012-017B
38249
Re-entered - 2018 Apr 3
Life 2168 days
Launched RISat 1. Higher apogee than satellite due to a collision avoidance manoeuvre by the upper stage of the rocket.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Apr 26, 07:5868770.004646753194.5997.53212


2012-018
CZ 3B
Xichang Space Centre
2012 Apr 29, 20:50
Beidou 12 (Beidou-2 M-3)
2012-018A
38250
in space
Phase 1 operational satellite in MEO for China's navigation satellite system.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Apr 30, 15:39172730.619319721592376.5455.04173
2012 May 09, 08:17279050.00242146021595773.1955.16186
2023 Feb 11, 21:10279060.00242146221594773.2356.61262
Beidou 13 (Beidou-2 M-4)
2012-018B
38251
in space
Phase 1 operational satellite in MEO for China's navigation satellite system.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 May 01, 01:45172590.618920021562376.0955.04174
2012 May 10, 04:27279110.00262146121605773.4454.97180
2012 May 20, 11:00279060.00272145221603773.2155.10180
2023 Feb 12, 05:49279060.00152148521570773.2256.52268


2012-019
Atlas V 531, AV-031
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
2012 May 4, 18:42
USA 235 (AEHF 2)
2012-019A
38254
in space
Advanced Extremely High Frequency comsat for US military and government. Separated from the launch vehicle at 19:33:16 UTC. Originally intended for launch 2011 February but delayed because of the AEHF 1 thruster failure. The second orbit listed is an estimate following the first boost motor firing. Aimed at GEO and probably a location around 40° west longitude.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2012 May 04, 20:32315150.792017650099927.9920.71180
2012 May 17, 12:00395840.424916385500271306.296.90180
2013 Mar 13, 17:23421650.000535766358081436.123.19338120° west
2013 Oct 25, 19:44421650.000435771358031436.122.9830816° west
2023 Feb 12, 15:59421650.000435772358031436.133.8624994° west
USA 235 r/b (Centaur)
2012-019B
38255
Re-entered - 2012 Jul 31
Life 88 days
Launched USA 235.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 May 05, 17:47316250.79558850406932.8620.39179


2012-020
CZ 2D
Jiuquan Space Centre
2012 May 6, 07:10
Tianhui 1-02
2012-020A
38256
in space
Cartographic imaging satellite capable of stereoscopic Earth photography, equipped with orbit adjustment engine to maintain height against air drag. Joins Tianhui 1-01 (2010-040A/36985) in similar orbit plane. Separated from the launch vehicle at 07:21 UTC after which the rocket performed a separation firing and was directed to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere - it was consequently not catalogued by NORAD.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2012 May 06, 13:2968760.001249050694.5897.3732113:29
2023 Feb 13, 14:5568580.001546949094.2097.5315614:32


2012-021
CZ 4B
Taiyuan Space Centre
2012 May 10, 07:06
Yaogan 14
2012-021A
38257
in space
Imaging satellite for natural resources surveys and, possibly, intelligence gathering. Specific tasks include land survey, crop yield assessment, and input to disaster monitoring and prevention plans. Precise launch time: 07:06:04 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2012 May 10, 08:3268500.000347047494.0497.2423214:14
2012 May 15, 20:3668540.000547347994.1297.2419814:14
2013 Jul 15, 21:2368530.000946848194.0997.296614:02
2013 Oct 29, 13:2868520.001046748094.0897.308214:00
2023 Feb 13, 09:3868740.000749150094.5297.5728115:20
Tiantuo 1
2012-021B
38258
Re-entered - 2014 Nov 3
Life 907 days
Small, 9.3 kg, satellite built by China's National University of Defense Technology to test new satellite sub-systems. There is also a receiver to detect AIS (Automatic Information System) data transmissions from shipping.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 May 10, 10:0568490.000146947194.0197.24164


2012-022
Soyuz-FG 11A511U-FG
Baikonur Cosmodrome
2012 May 15, 03:01
Soyuz TMA-04M (Soyuz 11F732A47 № 705)
2012-022A
38291
Re-entered - 2012 Sep 17
Life 125 days Returned to Earth
Crew to ISS - Gennadi Padalka, Joseph Acaba, Sergei Revin. First production version of the Soyuz TMA-M - previous flights were a Qualification Mission and two Test Missions. Precise time 03:01:23. Postponed from April 1 to May 15 due to the Descent Module being damaged during routine testing January 26. The mission used the vehicle originally being built for the Soyuz TMA-05M flight. Dock with the ISS Poisk module May 17 at 04:35:56 UTC, 152s earier than target but within the ±3 min window. Undocked 2012 Sep 16 at 23:09 UTC. Landed Sep 17 at 02:52 UTC, 86 kilometers northeast of the town of Arkalyk in Kazakhstan

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 May 15, 05:0365900.002619523088.7451.6580
2012 May 15, 09:1066430.003024428489.8051.64181
2012 May 17, 12:2367770.001139140692.5451.64328


2012-023
Ariane 5ECA (VA-206)
Centre Spatiale Guyanaise
2012 May 15, 22:13
JCSat 13
2012-023A
38331
in space
Comsat for SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation to be stationed at 124° east with anticipated operational life of 15 years. Precise launch time 22:13:14 UTC. Separated from the launch vehicle at 22:39 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2012 May 15, 17:34244030.727626935781632.302.00177
2012 May 17, 11:53252400.6697195835766665.111.62178
2012 May 20, 17:15300610.40151161235754864.520.64179
2012 May 21, 15:19338880.243319266357541034.740.34180
2012 May 22, 22:15395790.064830638357641306.050.09162
2012 May 24, 19:31421240.000535726357661434.020.0684126° east
2012 May 30, 19:31421640.000135780357911436.030.05331127° east
2023 Feb 12, 18:45421650.000235777357961436.100.02206124° east
Vinasat-2
2012-023B
38332
in space
Comsat for Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT) to be stationed at 131°.8 east with anticipated operational life of 15 years. Precise launch time 22:13:14 UTC. Separated from the launch vehicle at 22:49 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2012 May 16, 11:45243720.727426635722631.102.00178
2012 May 17, 12:08265590.5849464635716717.911.22176
2012 May 17, 20:40294440.42961041835714838.030.73175
2012 May 20, 12:44390580.078229626357341280.330.14149
2012 May 21, 14:53421860.001135760358561437.200.10118130° east
2012 May 25, 14:04421370.000435742357761434.690.08335132° east
2023 Feb 12, 14:06421650.000235777357971436.100.028132° east


2012-024
Soyuz-U 11A511U
Plesetsk Cosmodrome
2012 May 17, 14:05
Cosmos 2480 (Yantar 4K2M 11Ф695M, Kobalt-M)
2012-024A
38335
Re-entered - 2012 Sep 24
Life 130 days Returned to Earth
Military imaging reconnaissance satellite, sometimes referred to as 'Yantar', with manoeuvring engine to maintain its orbit. Separated from launch vehicle at 14:13 UTC. Re-entered for landing in Russia 2012 Sep 24. Dropped off two containers of exposed film at different points during the mission.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 May 17, 15:2365990.005218725588.9281.3877


2012-025
H-IIA 202 (F-21)
Tanegashima Space Centre
2012 May 17, 16:09
Shizuku (GCOM-W1)
2012-025A
38337
in space
Global Change Observation Mission-Water - aimed at 628 km sun-synchronous orbit. First of a series of satellites to study water circulation systems in the Earth's atmosphere. "Shizuku" means 'drop of dew'. Separated from launch vehicle at 17:02 UTC. At the beginning of 2012 July, it took up the lead position of the "A Train" of co-orbiting Earth studies sateliites, in front of AQUA (2002-022A/27424), Cloudsat (2006-016A/29107), CALIPSO (2006-016A/29107) and then Aura (2004-026A/28376).

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2012 May 24, 15:1070520.000267267598.2298.1835201:30
2012 Jul 01, 05:4370810.000270170498.8298.199201:31
2023 Feb 13, 02:3670810.000170270398.8398.238101:33
Kompsat 3 (Arirang 3)
2012-025B
38338
in space
KOrea Multi-Purpose SATellite - Japanese built Earth observation satellite for South Korea, to be used to support Geographical Information Systems, environmental, agricultural and oceanographic monitoring. There may also be a miltary/strategic imaging role. Separated from launch vehicle at 16:55 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2012 May 22, 19:1670500.000966567898.1898.183501:30
2023 Feb 13, 09:2670660.001068169598.5198.2133801:36
SDS-4 (Small Demonstration Satellite)
2012-025C
38339
in space
Small satellite carrying several technology demonstration experiments and including an experiment to monitor AIS (Automatic Information System) messages transmitted from ships at sea.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 May 20, 22:4970440.001165867498.0698.181
2023 Feb 13, 11:0970350.000765266297.8798.22220
Horyu 2
2012-025D
38340
in space
Small satellite built by Kyusyu Institute of Technology to test an experimental high-voltage solar array system and observe spacecraft charging effects caused by it.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 May 18, 17:1070490.000966467798.1698.1841
2023 Feb 13, 04:1970150.001162964597.4698.18171


2012-026
Proton-M + Briz-M
Baikonur Cosmodrome
2012 May 17, 19:12
Nimiq 6
2012-026A
38342
in space
Direct broadcast comsat for Telesat of Canada to be delivered to 12073 x 35786 km, 10°.2 inclination geosynchronous transfer orbit. Precise launch tine - 19:02:13 UTC. Separated from launch vehicle May 18 at 04:26:12 UTC. Intended location 91°.1 west. Orbit data for May 17-18 courtesy of Khrunichev.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2012 May 17, 22:2865510.000117217387.9451.55175
2012 May 17, 23:3790120.26232704997141.9050.35355
2012 May 18, 02:01244670.722541035767634.7849.16357
2012 May 18, 07:13302570.39261200035757872.9510.160
2012 May 20, 21:18349630.205521399357701084.344.33360
2012 May 22, 12:36416470.011634785357531409.740.21350141° west
2012 May 22, 18:24420570.001735608357501430.610.08330140° west
2012 May 24, 04:49421220.000135739357481433.900.04284139° west
2012 May 28, 12:58421640.000235777357941436.040.04104138° west
2012 Jun 07, 00:29417820.000635379354291416.600.03241115° west
2012 Jun 19, 03:01421650.000535764358091436.090.0432391° west
2023 Feb 13, 05:13421650.000335775357981436.100.044791° west
Proton upper stage (Briz-M)
2012-026B
38343
in space
Final stage of Nimiq 6 launch vehicle. Disintegrated 2015 Dec 22 around 16:00 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2016 Jan 07, 02:41288790.41871041034592814.0112.05206


2012-027
Falcon 9 v1.0
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
2012 May 22, 07:44
SpaceX Dragon COTS 2+
2012-027A
38348
Re-entered - 2012 May 31
Life 9 days Returned to Earth
Combination of the planned COTS 2 and COTS 3 demonstration missions and carrying cargo to the ISS. Precise launch time - 07:44:38 UTC. Made a test approach to within 2.4 km of the ISS May 24 and executed a fly-by. Captured by the ISS RMS May 25 at 13:56:01 UTC and attached to Harmony's downward-facing port at 15:52 UTC. The Common Berthing Mechanism was fully bolted-down at 16:02 UTC. Detached May 31 at 08:07 and released from the RMS at 09:49 UTC. Retrofire at 14:51 led to splashdown at 15:42 UTC near 27° north, 120° west off California. Carried fifteen student experiments under the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 May 22, 09:4367230.001533535591.4451.67333
2012 May 22, 17:1267470.001236137791.9251.64343
2012 May 25, 14:3867760.001139040692.5251.64360
Celestis F-ll/Falcon upper stage (New Frontier)
2012-027B
38349
Re-entered - 2012 Jun 27
Life 36 days
Container of cremated remains of more than 300 people from 18 countries, remained attached to the COTS 2+ final stage rocket.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 May 22, 09:1266790.004527133190.5451.6691


2012-028
CZ 3B
Xichang Space Centre
2012 May 26, 15:56
Zhongxing 2A (Chinasat 2A)
2012-028A
38352
in space
Communications satellite for Chinese government/military use. Precise launch time - 15:56:04 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2012 May 27, 06:17243810.729920635800631.4527.12180
2012 Jun 08, 14:48421640.000135781357921436.080.1918298° east
2023 Feb 12, 15:31421650.000335773358011436.130.059398° east


2012-029
CZ 4C
Taiyuan Space Centre
2012 May 29, 07:31
Yaogan 15
2012-029A
38354
in space
Remote sensing. Xinhua gave the objectives as "mainly used for scientific experiments, land resources survey, crop yield estimation of production and disaster prevention and mitigation". Precise launch time 07:31:04 UTC. Orbit is similar to Yaogan 8, 2009-72A/36121.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2012 May 29, 16:0375820.000312021206109.51100.1326914:30
2013 Jul 16, 10:0175820.000412011207109.51100.184913:44
2013 Oct 29, 08:0275820.000412011207109.50100.1915113:34
2013 Nov 20, 02:1575820.000412011207109.50100.2010813:32
2023 Feb 13, 13:2375690.002611721211109.23100.7116816:25


2012-030
Zenit-3SL
Sea Launch Platform 'Odyssey', Kiritmati
2012 Jun 1, 05:23
Intelsat 19
2012-030A
38356
in space
Communications satellite - replacement for Intelsat 8 to cover the Asia-Pacific region, Australia, New Zealand and the western part of the US. Time was the opening of a two hour launch window. The satellite separated from the launch vehicle at 06:23 UTC and the south solar array failed to deploy. The panel was eventually unfurled 2012 Jun 19 but Jun 26 Intelsat said it was damaged and running at reduced power output. Expected location 166 deg east longitude.


epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2012 Jun 01, 06:13247220.706388235805644.730.39212
2012 Jun 11, 17:39421620.001935704358631435.950.16149170° east
2012 Jun 27, 15:22421630.000435768358011436.010.1351176° east
2012 Jul 19, 12:33421970.000235810358281437.760.0975174° east
2012 Aug 09, 00:30421680.000335777358031436.270.05106166° east
2023 Feb 13, 10:32421650.000335773358001436.100.01234166° east


2012-031
Pegasus XL
Lockheed L-1011 flying within Kwajalein Missile Range
2012 Jun 13, 16:00
NuSTAR (Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array)
2012-031A
38358
in space
NASA Explorer mission using the first focusing hard X-ray telescopes to image the sky in the high energy X-ray (6 - 79 keV) region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The Lockheed L-1011 took off from Kwajalein at about 15:00 UTC. Precise time of release of the Pegasus was 16:00:35 UTC with the Pegasus rocket motor firing 5s later. UTC. NuSTAR was released into orbit at 16:13:47.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Jun 13, 19:3270020.001461463397.196.02331
Pegasus upper stage
2012-031B
38359
in space
Launched NuSTAR.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Jun 13, 20:2970060.000962163497.266.03331


2012-032
CZ 2F
Jiuquan Space Centre
2012 Jun 16, 10:37
Shenzhou 9
2012-032A
38461
Re-entered - 2012 Jun 29
Life 13 days Returned to Earth
Carried crew of Jing Haipeng (Commander), Liu Wang (Flight Engineer) and Liu Yang (Mission Engineer), to Tiangong 1. Second Mission for Jing Haipeng after Shenzhou 7, Liu Yang is female. First stage ignition 10:37:21 UTC with launch/lift-off 3s later. Spacecraft separation was at 10:46:55 UTC, about 11s earlier than planned. Shenzhou 9 docked with Tiangong 1 Jun 18 at 06:07 UTC. On Jun 24 at 03:10 UTC, it undocked and moved 140m in front of Tiangong from where it re-docked under manual control (Liu Wang) at 04:48 UTC. Undocked Jun 28 at 01:22 UTC - after falling behind by 5 km, it was brought back automatically to 140m distance from where it then departed. Retrofire Jun 29 at 01:17 UTC led to a landing in Inner Mongolia near 42° north, 111° east at 02:02:50 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Jun 16, 16:3866360.008420231389.6642.71134
2012 Jun 16, 21:1266670.004026231690.2942.78136
2012 Jun 17, 16:4467000.000831632790.9542.78262
2012 Jun 18, 13:5267120.000832833991.2042.78279
2012 Jun 28, 13:1767140.000233533891.2642.78125
CZ 2F third stage
2012-032B
38462
Re-entered - 2012 Jun 28
Life 12 days
Launched Shenzhou 9

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Jun 18, 00:2966260.007919530089.4642.78142
CZ 2F debris
2012-032C
38463
Re-entered - 2012 Jun 18
Life 2 days
One of five debris items from the Shenzhou 9's CZ-2F launch vehicle. It is probably one of the covers for the four retro rockets that were used to distance the launch vehicle from the spacecraft.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Jun 16, 23:5867280.022120249991.5442.95140
CZ 2F debris
2012-032D
38464
Re-entered - 2012 Jun 18
Life 2 days
One of five debris items from the Shenzhou 9's CZ-2F launch vehicle. It is probably one of the covers for the four retro rockets that were used to distance the launch vehicle from the spacecraft.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Jun 17, 00:0267240.021020448791.4642.99137
CZ 2F debris
2012-032E
38465
Re-entered - 2012 Jun 15
Life <1 day
One of five debris items from the Shenzhou 9's CZ-2F launch vehicle. This one has an unusual orbit compared with the other four that are covers for the retro rockets that were used to distance the launch vehicle from the spacecraft. No similar item was catalogued by SpaceTrack on previous Shenzhou missions.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Jun 23, 16:2066980.008626237890.9342.80261
CZ 2F debris
2012-032F
38467
Re-entered - 2012 Jun 18
Life 2 days
One of five debris items from the Shenzhou 9's CZ-2F launch vehicle. It is probably one of the covers for the four retro rockets that were used to distance the launch vehicle from the spacecraft.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Jun 18, 00:1066620.015318138690.1842.91146
CZ 2F debris
2012-032G
38520
Re-entered - 2012 Jun 18
Life 2 days
One of five debris items from the Shenzhou 9's CZ-2F launch vehicle. It is probably one of the covers for the four retro rockets that were used to distance the launch vehicle from the spacecraft.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Jun 18, 01:2565900.008415726888.7442.65124
Shenzhou 9 Orbital Module
2012-032H
38550
Re-entered - 2012 Dec 2
Life 169 days
Detached from Shenzhou 9 - 2012 Jun 29 about 01:14 UTC just prior to retro-fire. Main function was to carry the rendezvous systems and docking unit for operations with Tiangong 1. Not catalogued by SpaceTrack until Jul 6 when it was realised it had been misidentified as Tiangong 1 (2011-053A/37820). Tiangong 1 itself had moved to a higher orbit Jun 29 and been treated by Spacetrack as "unidentified" - see notes.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Jun 29, 07:5067140.000233533791.2542.78120


2012-033
Atlas V 401, AV-023
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
2012 Jun 20, 12:28
USA 236 (SDS-3 F-6)
2012-033A
38466
in space
Third generation Satellite Data System government/military communications satellite aimed at geosynchronous orbit. Launched at the opening of a one hour launch window and postponed from June 18. The initial orbit is an estimate by Ted Molczan, published through Seesat-L. Remaining orbits are based on amateur observation. There is no catalogue entry for the launch vehicle because it was intentionally de-orbited above the central Pacific Ocean after completing less than one circuit of the Earth.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2012 Jun 18, 12:51214170.689726829809519.8621.20183
2012 Aug 06, 23:14421650.000435770358051436.124.8722730° west
2012 Dec 09, 14:56421650.000135783357911436.124.6225530° west


2012-034
Delta 4 Heavy, Delta 360
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
2012 Jun 29, 13:15
USA 237 (Mentor 6/Advanced Orion 6)
2012-034A
38528
in space
US Government or military satellite for National Reconnaissance Office. Apparently for geosynchronous orbit so may have a signals intelligence or electronic intelligence mission. Launch originally planned for June 28 but delayed for weather. Delayed on the day from 10:16 UTC by multiple propellant valve problems. The first two orbits listed are pre-launch estimates provided by Ted Molczan through Seesat-L.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2012 Jul 15, 18:53422660.005035676361011441.303.5231182° east


2012-035
Ariane 5ECA (VA-207)
Centre Spatiale Guyanaise
2012 Jul 5, 21:36
Echostar 17 (Jupiter 1)
2012-035A
38551
in space
Comsat providing high-speed internet links. Released from the launch vehicle at 22:03 UTC. Expected location - 107°.1 west.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2012 Jul 06, 00:16244080.728026035799632.485.94178
2012 Jul 07, 17:09265310.5889452935777716.793.68179
2012 Jul 08, 19:10302510.39331197435771872.701.96179
2012 Jul 09, 21:58334320.260718338357701013.931.14180
2012 Jul 13, 08:58419820.004235429357781426.750.01224123° west
2012 Jul 18, 16:26420550.001135630357231430.480.02128110° west
2012 Jul 22, 14:00421650.000235781357941436.130.01331107° west
2023 Feb 12, 23:34421650.000235779357941436.100.02211107° west
Meteosat 10 (MSG 3)
2012-035B
38552
in space
Meteosat Second Generation metsat with scanners operating over a greater spectral range than its predecessors. It is also equipped with two secondary payloads - the Global Earth Radiation Budget payload to measure energy radiated by Earth, and a Search and Rescue transponder to receive and relay distress signals from emergency radio beacons within its field of view. Released from the launch vehicle at 22:10 UTC. A clerical error by SpaceTrack means no orbital data while it was manoeuvring to geosynchronous altitude. Will be named Meteosat 10 on successful completion of tests. Expected location - 0° longitude.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2012 Jul 07, 03:24243830.728324835761631.515.99179
2012 Jul 18, 12:00420310.000135649356561429.261.7317713° west
2012 Jul 27, 20:04421660.000135784357911436.151.801633° west
2013 Jan 14, 01:11421630.000135781357891436.011.42823° west
2013 Jan 16, 00:11421260.000135746357501434.131.421623° west
2013 Jan 22, 07:50421260.000135745357501434.101.411620° east
2013 Jan 26, 10:30421690.000135786357961436.331.30900° east
2018 Feb 07, 14:45421630.000235778357921436.030.872761° east
2018 Feb 09, 14:35421300.000135749357541434.320.872441° east
2018 Feb 27, 12:52421290.000135747357551434.270.8826410° east
2018 Mar 03, 12:29421280.000135747357531434.240.8927911° east
2018 Mar 04, 12:33421670.000135787357911436.200.892909° east
2023 Feb 13, 07:58421650.000235781357941436.131.932749° east


2012-036
Proton-M + Briz-M
Baikonur Cosmodrome
2012 Jul 9, 19:38
SES 5 (Sirius 5)
2012-036A
38652
in space
Satellite carries two communications payloads - SES 5 (C-band) for SES World Skies and Astra 4B (Ku band) for Astra. It also carries a hosted navigation payload that is part of the ESA's European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS). Precise launch time: 18:38:30 UTC. Separated from Briz-M in geosynchronous transfer orbit 15s early Jul 10 at 03:50:25 UTC. The fourth orbit listed is after SES 5 separated from the Briz-M, it and the three earlier ones are based on data provided by Khrunichev, the Briz-M operator . Expected location: 5° east longitude.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2012 Jul 09, 18:5465510.000117217387.9451.55100
2012 Jul 09, 20:0390120.26242694999141.9150.36356
2012 Jul 09, 21:26244970.721943535802635.9448.15358
2012 Jul 10, 03:38263410.6005414435782709.1023.110
2012 Jul 12, 00:44287260.4684889435803807.5713.650
2012 Jul 13, 10:51332110.270417851358141003.875.91360
2012 Jul 13, 17:55372430.132025947357831192.152.52356
2012 Jul 16, 20:48421190.000835706357761433.750.133163° east
2012 Jul 22, 04:19421650.000135783357911436.120.131685° east
2023 Feb 13, 04:30421640.000235779357941436.080.06375° east


2012-037
Soyuz-FG 11A511U-FG
Baikonur Cosmodrome
2012 Jul 15, 02:40
Soyuz TMA-05M (Soyuz 11F732A47 № 706)
2012-037A
38671
Re-entered - 2012 Nov 19
Life 127 days Returned to Earth
Crew to ISS - Russian commander Yuri Malenchenko, flight engineers Sunita Williams (US) and Akihiko Hoshide (Japan). Precise launch time - 02:40:03.91 UTC. Launch delayed several weeks as a knock-on of the Soyuz TMA-04M postponement earlier in the year. Docked with the Rassvet module Jul 17 at 04:51:02, within the estimated window 04:52:28 UTC ±3 minutes. Undocked 2012 Nov 18 at 22:26 UTC. Retro-fire Nov 19 at 00:58:58 UTC. Landed 85 km NE of Arkalyk, Kazakhstan 2012 Nov 19 at 01:53:30 UTC, less than 2km from aim point 51°.02 north, 67°.10 east.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Jul 15, 02:2765990.003719624588.9151.6386
2012 Jul 15, 08:4966990.004229334990.9451.64166
2012 Jul 16, 10:2767030.003630134991.0251.64168
2012 Jul 17, 12:1767770.000739440492.5351.64165


2012-038
H-IIB (F-3)
Tanegashima Space Centre
2012 Jul 21, 02:06
HTV 3 (Kounotori 3)
2012-038A
38706
Re-entered - 2012 Sep 14
Life 55 days
Japanese supply vehicle to the ISS. Cargo includes five cubesats, that will be released from the ISS during September, and equipment carried in the outside unpressurised section will be transferred to the Kibo module using the Japanese robotic arm on the ISS. Precise launch time 02:06:18 UTC. Captured by ISS Remote Manipulator Arm Jul 27 at 12:23 UTC, contact with downward-facing port of Harmony was at 14:19 UTC and was completely bolted down at 14:34 UTC. Launch rescheduled several times, the latest being from May 10 to allow continued testing of the launch vehicle, and then from Jun 26. An earlier delay was due to the the Japan earthquake of 2011.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Jul 21, 04:3666230.009118530589.4051.66315
2012 Jul 21, 12:3266450.005223230189.8451.66314
2012 Jul 23, 01:3066450.005223230189.8451.65317
2012 Jul 26, 13:4067400.001335337191.7851.64202
2012 Jul 27, 13:2167810.000140240392.6251.64335


2012-039
Soyuz-FG + Fregat
Baikonur Cosmodrome
2012 Jul 22, 06:41
Canopus-Vulcan 1
2012-039A
38707
in space
Satellite for monitoring of man-made and natural disasters including weather phenomena, mapping, pollution measurement, study of phenomena associated with earthquakes, monitoring of land use and coastal resources. Separated from the launch vehicle Fregat stage at 07:31 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2012 Jul 22, 12:0268830.000650150994.7297.496423:27
2023 Feb 13, 13:0868660.000448649194.3797.486900:29
BelKA 2
2012-039B
38708
in space
Belarusian remote sensing satellite for mapping, and monitoring of natural resources (BelKA 1 was lost in a launch failure). Based on the same vehicle as Canopus. Separated from the launch vehicle Fregat stage at 07:26 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2012 Jul 22, 11:4768860.000350551094.7797.499823:27
2023 Feb 13, 11:3168640.000248448794.3297.318222:42
exactView 1
2012-039C
38709
in space
Canadian satellite for monitoring shipping movements by using AIS, built by Surrey Satellite Technology Limited for exactEarth. Separated from the Fregat stage of the launch vehicle at 09:00:32 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2012 Jul 22, 11:2771920.0011806821101.1698.951023:30
2023 Feb 13, 11:1771890.0012803820101.1198.988610:33
TET-1
2012-039D
38710
Re-entered - 2022 Nov 21
Life 3774 days
German satellite conducting space-technology experiments, design life one year. Separated from the launch vehicle Fregat stage at 07:33 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2012 Jul 22, 11:4168850.000450451094.7597.499123:27
2022 Nov 18, 03:3065190.000913514687.3097.4727312:00
MKA-FKI 1 (Zond-PP)
2012-039E
38711
in space
Russian satellite to monitor ocean salinity and temperature, as well as humidity of the land surface, based on the 'Carat' standard satellite bus. Separated from the Fregat stage of the launch vehicle at 09:00:33 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2012 Jul 22, 11:2771910.0012804822101.1598.951423:30
2023 Feb 13, 11:0371880.0013801819101.0998.988610:31
Fregat rocket stage
2012-039F
38712
Re-entered - 2012 Jul 22
Life <1 day
Launched BelKA 2, etc. After releasing the final satellites, it re-entered over the Pacific Ocean between New Zealand and Antarctica Jul 22 around 10:50 UTC. The first orbit shown is while in transit between the 500 km and 800km satellite release orbits. The second is the orbit after retro-fire that occurred 09:50:53 UTC. The Fregat re-entered above the southern Pacific Ocean about 60 minutes later.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Jul 22, 08:0770480.024050183998.1597.9843
2012 Jul 22, 09:4668030.05664081093.0898.95256
Soyuz third stage
2012-039G
38713
Re-entered - 2012 Jul 24
Life 2 days
Upper stage of the Soyuz launch vehicle

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Jul 23, 22:1565390.000715716687.7295.45328


2012-040
CZ 3C
Xichang Space Centre
2012 Jul 25, 15:43
Tianlian 1-03
2012-040A
38730
in space
Data communications satellite to provide a data relay, and measurement and control service for Chinese satellites and space stations. Precise time 15:43:04 UTC. Part of a constellation with two previous satellites stationed at 77° east and 177° east respectively.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2012 Jul 25, 09:29277350.762820042513766.1218.11180
2012 Aug 08, 07:06421650.000435771358021436.092.0629217° east
2016 Jan 14, 15:18421640.000335775357971436.070.017117° east
2016 Jan 14, 19:30421310.000735723357831434.380.0222317° east
2016 Jan 18, 19:35420960.001935639357971432.600.02821° east
2016 Jan 21, 03:53421660.000135781357941436.150.0123920° east
2016 Jun 30, 04:03421640.000635763358091436.060.0721820° east
2016 Jul 02, 03:58422150.000735808358651438.660.074320° east
2016 Jul 04, 16:03422460.000035866358691440.230.06617° east
2016 Jul 10, 04:01422450.000035866358671440.190.0529311° east
2016 Jul 10, 22:51421940.001335763358681437.580.054311° east
2016 Jul 11, 04:26421630.000635761358101436.030.054011° east
2019 Jan 06, 06:48421640.000335775357971436.080.0826111° east
2019 Jan 07, 03:54420900.000135706357161432.260.0822911° east
2019 Jan 12, 06:22420860.000135706357101432.100.0726317° east
2019 Jan 13, 00:47421440.000535743357881435.010.07917° east
2019 Jan 13, 06:38421670.000135786357931436.240.0618017° east
2019 May 12, 06:33421630.000635759358111436.000.0324417° east
2019 May 14, 20:35420440.000235657356741429.920.1816919° east
2019 May 17, 19:14421660.000335775358001436.150.178820° east
2023 Mar 13, 02:49421650.000735757358171436.122.6933220° east
2023 Nov 01, 18:10421650.000335773358001436.083.295420° east
2023 Nov 02, 00:58423120.003335793360741443.613.3017320° east
2023 Nov 06, 06:01425460.001936089362481455.633.501091° west


2012-041
Rockot + Briz-KM
Plesetsk Cosmodrome
2012 Jul 28, 01:25
Cosmos 2481 (Strela-3M/Rodnik №14)
2012-041A
38733
in space
Government/military system store-dump communications satellite.. Released from the launch vehicle at 03:19 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Aug 01, 11:2478750.001814831511115.9182.48312
Gonets M-13
2012-041B
38734
in space
Store and forward communications satellite for Russia's civil/commercial system, released from the launch vehicle at 03:19 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Jul 30, 22:3978720.001814801508115.8682.48305
MiR (Yubileiny 2, RS-40)
2012-041C
38735
in space
Named after Mikhail Reshetnev, the founder of the company that bears his name. based on the same chassis is the Yubileiny satellite, it was built by students and research staff of the Siberian State Aerospace University. It carries space technology experiments relating to contoured heat pipes, new radio equipment and miniaturised components for satellite attitude and orientation control systems using magnetic torquing. Onboard also is a webcam and solar power experiments. Also carries the RS-40 amateur radio payload. Released from the launch vehicle at 03:20 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Jul 30, 22:4078740.001614831509115.8982.48311
Gonets M-15
2012-041D
38736
in space
Store and forward communications satellite for Russia's civil/commercial system, released from the launch vehicle at 03:19 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Jul 30, 22:4078740.001814811509115.8882.48310


2012-042
Soyuz-U 11A511U
Baikonur Cosmodrome
2012 Aug 1, 19:35
Progress M-16M (Progress 7K-TGM №416)
2012-042A
38738
Re-entered - 2013 Feb 9
Life 192 days
Supplies to ISS, using trial of fast-track approach to allow docking with the of the ISS after six hours. Docked with the ISS Pirs port Aug 2 at 01:18 UTC, about six minutes ahead of schedule. Hooks and latches were fully engaged about ten minutes later. Undocked 2013 Feb 9 at 13:12 UTC and re-entered about 3 hours later following retro-fire.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Aug 01, 19:2366380.003223928189.7151.63230
estimated orbit65880.002919123088.7051.6676
2012 Aug 01, 22:3966620.003026330490.1851.64233
2012 Aug 02, 06:2567810.000140240392.6151.6415


2012-043
Ariane 5ECA (VA-208)
Centre Spatiale Guyanaise
2012 Aug 2, 20:54
Intelsat 20
2012-043A
38740
in space
General services communications satellite providing video, voice and data network services to Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Separated from the launch vehicle at 21:22 UTC. Expected location - 68°.5 east.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2012 Aug 03, 02:44243900.729222735796631.796.00178
2012 Aug 04, 15:02274650.5353638535788754.963.12179
2012 Aug 05, 17:50325690.29451660035782974.911.09179
2012 Aug 07, 22:16395800.065230623357801306.070.13182
2012 Aug 08, 22:55421370.000135754357621434.660.0736063° east
2012 Aug 14, 18:52421640.000335775357971436.080.0624363° east
2012 Aug 31, 01:59421410.000235753357721434.880.0424364° east
2012 Sep 17, 00:00421630.000135780357901436.030.0229569° east
2023 Feb 12, 16:46421650.000235779357951436.100.025869° east
HYLAS 2 (Highly Adaptable Satellite 2)
2012-043B
38741
in space
Comsat to provide broadband services to remote areas of Europe, the Middle East and Africa with a design life exceeding 15 years. Separated from the launch vehicle at 21:28 UTC. Expected location - 33°.5 east.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2012 Aug 04, 10:16244080.728425235807632.485.94179
2012 Aug 05, 09:01271290.5538572635775741.143.18179
2012 Aug 08, 05:51334000.262118268357751012.461.03179
2012 Aug 09, 03:53390340.080429518357931279.160.23176
2012 Aug 11, 05:16421320.000635727357811434.440.0734630° east
2012 Aug 18, 04:19421660.000235777357981436.150.0623731° east
2023 Feb 12, 13:08421650.000235779357931436.080.054831° east


2012-044
Proton-M + Briz-M
Baikonur Cosmodrome
2012 Aug 6, 19:31
Telkom 3
2012-044A
38744
Re-entered - 2021 Feb 5
Life 3105 days
Indonesian comsat for Digital TV and GSM/Internet services, aimed at 118° east longitude. Released from Briz-M stage of the launch vehicle into incorrect orbit soon after the Briz-M failed. It had shut down early at 23:00:01 UTC, seven seconds into its planned eighteen minute third burn. Intended release time was Aug 7 at 04:44:20 UTC but separated Aug 6 at 23:20 UTC ±20 minutes..

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2012 Aug 10, 21:5190200.26332665017142.0849.917
Express-MD2
2012-044B
38745
in space
Domestic comsat for the Russian Space Communications Company (RSCC) aimed at 145° east longitude. Released from Briz-M stage of the launch vehicle into incorrect orbit soon after the Briz-M itself failed. It had shut down early at 23:00:01 UTC, seven seconds into its planned eighteen minute third burn. Intended release time was Aug 7 at 05:14:20 UTC but separated Aug 6 at 23:20 UTC ±20 minutes.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Aug 10, 21:4990170.26312665011142.0249.917
Briz-M + APT (Telcom 3/Express MD-2)
2012-044C
38746
in space
Upper stage of launch vehicle for Telkom 3 and Express-MD2. The Auxiliary Propellant Tank (APT) remained attached after it shut down. Exploded 2012 October 16.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Aug 10, 21:5090190.26342655016142.0649.917
Satellite Support Adaptor
2012-044D
38747
Re-entered - 2019 Apr 9
Life 2437 days
Identification of item reasonably certain - originally fitted between Telkom 3 and Express-MD2.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Aug 10, 21:5090170.26312675010142.0149.917


2012-045
Zenit-3SL
Sea Launch Platform 'Odyssey', Kiritmati
2012 Aug 19, 06:54
Intelsat 21
2012-045A
38749
in space
Communications satellite to cover South and North America, the South Atlantic Ocean and Europe as a replacement for Intelsat 9. Precise launch time: 06:54:59 UTC at the opening of a 58 minute window. Satellite separation was at 07:25:06 UTC. Expected location: 58° west.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2012 Aug 19, 18:23243800.726030135702631.400.109
2012 Aug 21, 21:45272470.5452601535723746.010.366
2012 Aug 24, 00:55324270.29841637335724968.530.1713
2012 Aug 26, 17:02418790.006835215357881421.550.0710258° west
2012 Aug 28, 08:13419760.004735402357931426.450.075152° west
2012 Aug 30, 00:13421650.000035785357891436.110.0735651° west
2012 Oct 04, 09:39421650.000135784357901436.110.0534658° west
2023 Feb 13, 04:12421650.000235778357951436.090.0224158° west


2012-I01
Hand Operated Ejector Mechanism
International Space Station
2012 Aug 20, 19:29
Sfera (Sphere)
1998-067CM
38751
Re-entered - 2012 Nov 24
Life 96 days
Small spherical satellite (9kg, 0.53m diameter) for upper atmosphere and satellite tracking studies. Released from ISS during EVA from Russian segment 2012 Aug 20.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Aug 21, 10:1567810.000540040692.6351.64303


2012-046
Atlas V 401, AV-032
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
2012 Aug 30, 08:05
Van Allen Probe A (Radiation Belt Storm Probe A)
2012-046A
38752
in space
Leader in a co-orbiting pair of NASA satellites to study and help understand the acceleration, global distribution, and variability of the radiation belt electrons and ions that produce harsh environments for spacecraft and humans. Separated from the launch vehicle at 09:24:03 UTC. Launch delayed from Aug 24 by weather. Renamed in honour of James van Allen 2012 November.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Sep 01, 06:11219410.682459130534539.0610.032
Van Allen Probe B (Radiation Belt Storm Probe B)
2012-046B
38753
in space
Follower and second, smaller, satellite of a pair of NASA satellites to study and help understand the acceleration, global distribution, and variability of the radiation belt electrons and ions that produce harsh environments for spacecraft and humans. Separated from the launch vehicle at 09:36:11 UTC. Launch delayed from Aug 24 by weather. Renamed in honour of James van Allen 2012 November.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Sep 01, 06:23220040.683159530657541.4010.042


2012-047
PSLV-CA (PSLV C-21)
Satish Dhawan Space Centre
2012 Sep 9, 04:23
SPOT 6
2012-047A
38755
in space
Satellite Pour Observation del la Terre - a high-resolution Earth imaging satellite launched by India for the French government under a commercial contract

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2012 Sep 10, 12:1870220.000564164797.6098.1832609:59
2023 Feb 13, 09:2670760.000169769998.7398.209010:01
PROITERES
2012-047B
38756
in space
PRoject of OIT Electric-Rocket-Engine on Small satellite is a 15 kg satellite aimed at testing an electric propulsion thruster for attituse control and orbit changes. It is also intended to produce Earth images, particularly of the area around Osaka, Japan. The name is an acronym of an acronym as OIT stands for the Osaka Institute of Technology.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2012 Sep 10, 12:2070280.001164165797.7298.2927310:00
2023 Feb 13, 09:2670160.001262964697.4798.341920:43


2012-048
Atlas V 401, AV-033
Vandenberg Air Force Base
2012 Sep 13, 21:39
USA 238 p/1 1 (NOSS 3-6 p/l 1, Intruder)
2012-048A
38758
in space
Navy Ocean Surveillance Satellite (NOSS) - main payload. Orbit is based on amateur observations.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Sep 16, 02:3874860.012810121203107.4263.44181
SMDC-ONE 1.2 (ORSES)
2012-048B
38759
in space
ORS Enabler Satellite a 3U cubesat for the Operationally Responsive Space office of the US Army Space and Missile Defense Command. Mission unknown.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Sep 14, 00:4570140.021848378997.4364.67289
Aeneas
2012-048C
38760
in space
Department of Homeland Security satellite as part of a technology demonstration program to track cargo containers worldwide, a 3U Cubesat built by the University of Southern California.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Sep 14, 00:4870130.022148079097.4264.67289
CSSWE (Colorado Student Space Weather Experiment)
2012-048D
38761
in space
Studies of the relationship between solar flares and energetic particles in the Earth's radiation belts - a 3U Cubesat from University of Colorado at Boulder.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Sep 14, 00:5170130.022247979197.4264.67290
CXBN (Cosmic X-ray Background Nanosat)
2012-048E
38762
in space
High energy cosmic background radiation measurements in the 30-50 keV range, a 2U cubesat from Morehead State University.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Sep 14, 00:5470140.022148179197.4464.67291
CP5
2012-048F
38763
in space
Demonstration of a solar sail for use in de-orbiting satellites, a 1U cubesat from California Polytechnic.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
CINEMA (Cubesat for Ion, Neutral, Electron, Magnetic fields)
2012-048G
38764
in space
First in a trio of identical nano-satellites studying Space Weather effects in near-Earth space, a 3U Cubesat from University of California at Berkeley. Designation subject to confirmation.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Sep 14, 00:5770160.021948479197.4764.67292
Re
2012-048H
38765
in space
Satellite with optical sensors to detect orbiting payloads and debris for orbit measurement, 3U Cubesat from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Early manifest for this group of satellites also included the similar-design Horus.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Sep 14, 01:0070180.021548979197.5264.68292
SMDC-ONE 1.1 (Techsat)
2012-048J
38766
in space
3U Cubesat undertaking technology experiments for the US Army Space and Missile Defense Command under the STP (Space Test Program), including use for Beyond Line of Sight tactical communications.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
AeroCube 4.5a
2012-048K
38767
in space
1U Cubesat with mission described as "Technology Validation". Design based on on Aerospace Corporation 4.5 cubesat bus.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Sep 14, 01:0670240.020849979297.6364.69291
AeroCube 4.5b
2012-048L
38768
in space
1U Cubesat with mission described as "Technology Validation". Design based on on Aerospace Corporation 4.5 cubesat bus.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
AeroCube 4
2012-048M
38769
Re-entered - 2021 Mar 2
Life 3092 days
1U Cubesat with unknown mission. Design based on on Aerospace Corporation 4.1 cubesat bus and fitted with a deployable de-orbit device.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Sep 14, 01:0670240.020849979297.6364.69291
USA 238 p/l 2 (NOSS 3-6 p/l 2, Intruder)
2012-048P
38773
in space
Navy Ocean Surveillance Satellite (NOSS), second of the satellite pair, released from its parent soon after launch. Orbit is based on amateur observations.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Sep 14, 01:0670240.020849979297.6364.69291
Centaur/OUTSat (Operationally Unique Technologies Satellite)
2012-048N
38770
in space
Carried and released the cubesats from the NROL-36 mission. Pre-launch reports indicated it would be activated 20 min after separating from the Centaur but separation may not actually have been intended so it may be still attached. Orbit is based on amateur observation.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Sep 17, 04:2769960.022546177597.0664.68294


2012-049
Soyuz-2 1A + Fregat
Baikonur Cosmodrome
2012 Sep 17, 16:28
MetOp-B
2012-049A
38771
in space
European Space Agency operational metsat. Postponed from May 23 owing to safety concerns in the booster fall areas and the need for Russia and Kazakhstan to conclude an agreement.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2012 Sep 17, 21:1971850.0003805810101.0398.737309:28
2023 Feb 13, 11:5271980.0001819821101.3098.708109:30


2012-050
CZ 3B
Xichang Space Centre
2012 Sep 18, 19:50
Beidou 14 (Beidou-2 M-5)
2012-050A
38774
in space
Phase 1 operational satellite in MEO for China's navigation satellite system.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Sep 28, 15:55279050.00232146221591773.1955.00183
2023 Feb 12, 14:18279040.00392141621636773.1555.44239
Beidou 15 (Beidou-2 M-6)
2012-050B
38775
in space
Phase 1 operational satellite in China's navigation satellite system. It also provides time and messaging services for the Asia-Pacific region.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Sep 20, 06:12172670.619319521583376.3554.98174
2012 Sep 28, 06:39279040.00172147721574773.1355.09210
2023 Feb 11, 06:26279060.00132149221564773.2355.55322


2012-051
Ariane 5ECA (VA-209)
Centre Spatiale Guyanaise
2012 Sep 28, 21:18
Astra 2F
2012-051A
38778
in space
Comsat to carry broadcast TV for Europe. Separated from the launch vehicle at 21:45 UTC. Expected location - 28°.2 east.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2012 Sep 29, 01:33243950.728025735776631.985.95178
2012 Sep 30, 17:35264410.5937436435761713.133.68179
2012 Oct 01, 19:30312630.35001394235827916.851.61177
2012 Oct 02, 11:43312270.34951393435764915.291.61177
2012 Oct 02, 22:41362690.163323968358131145.660.61177
2012 Oct 09, 18:45421090.001435671357901433.220.0813243° east
2012 Oct 14, 22:51421650.000035785357891436.130.0723144° east
2012 Nov 10, 22:22422630.001535821359491441.130.0618841° east
2012 Nov 28, 03:30421640.000235777357951436.070.0618328° east
2023 Feb 12, 13:08421630.000335774357971436.030.101428° east
GSat 10
2012-051B
38779
in space
Communications satellite owned by India. It also carries the second GAGAN (GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation) payload to supplement navigation services in the sub-continent. Separated from the launch vehicle at 21:48 UTC. Expected location - 83° east.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2012 Sep 29, 01:18243800.727726135743631.405.94178
2012 Sep 30, 18:00324710.29771642735759970.511.70178
2012 Oct 01, 23:59401560.048731822357341334.710.20179
2012 Oct 03, 18:00420380.001835585357341429.600.1717970° east
2012 Oct 10, 17:06420980.001335663357761432.670.155681° east
2012 Oct 15, 15:15421640.000335775357971436.080.1427682° east
2012 Nov 01, 00:44421490.000235762357801435.280.1028282° east
2012 Nov 06, 12:55421650.000335775357981436.090.0930083° east
2023 Feb 12, 20:44421650.000435772358021436.100.0217583° east


2012-052
CZ 2D
Jiuquan Space Centre
2012 Sep 29, 04:12
VRSS 1 (Venezuela Remote Sensing Satellite)
2012-052A
38782
in space
Imaging satellite, also known as Francisco Miranda (named for a historical figure from the early days of the South American independence and liberation movement). Built by China's Great Wall Industry Corporation (GWIC).

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2012 Sep 29, 08:5770160.002362265497.4898.0426110:29
2023 Feb 13, 10:1970190.001762965397.5497.6425707:27


2012-053
Delta 4 Medium+ 4,2
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
2012 Oct 4, 12:10
USA 239 (Navstar GPS IIF-03)
2012-053A
38833
in space
Third Block 2F, Generation 2 GPS Navsat. The first two orbits listed are while the satellite was still attached to the Delta upper stage, before the final engine firing.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Oct 04, 12:2266550.017216339190.0541.69267
2012 Oct 04, 14:25167290.603525420448358.9143.31202
2012 Oct 05, 03:04268320.00102042620482729.0254.98107
2012 Oct 15, 05:40267980.00032041120429727.6354.97282


2012-I02
JEM Small Satellite Orbital Deployer
International Space Station
2012 Oct 4, 14:37
Raiko
1998-067CN
38852
Re-entered - 2013 Aug 6
Life 306 days
1U Cubesat designed to return images in the infrared. Deployed 14:37 UTC from the Kibo module of the ISS by JSSOD (JEM-Small Satellite Orbital Deployer) which was delivered to the ISS by HTV 3.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Oct 09, 04:5167910.001940042592.8251.64137
FITSAT 1
1998-067CP
38853
Re-entered - 2013 Jul 4
Life 273 days
1U CubeSat built by FSpace laboratory, FPT University in partnership with Angstrom Space Technology Center (ASTC), Uppsala University and NanoRacks LLC. Its mission is to train young engineers and students about aerospace engineering and evaluate an advanced 3-axis magnetometer. It also carries a flashing LED panel to send out visible Morse Code signals. Deployed at 15:44 UTC from the Kibo module of the ISS by JSSOD (JEM-Small Satellite Orbital Deployer) which was delivered to the ISS by HTV 3.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Oct 09, 04:5167910.001440342292.8251.65153
TechEdSat
1998-067CQ
38854
Re-entered - 2013 May 5
Life 213 days
1U Cubesat from NASA intended to demonstrate communications via the Orbcomm and Iridium telephony satellites. The experiment will not occur as a network licence was not issued in time. Deployed at 15:44 UTC from the Kibo module of the ISS by JSSOD (JEM-Small Satellite Orbital Deployer) which was delivered to the ISS by HTV 3.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Oct 09, 01:4567900.001540242292.8151.65145
F-1
1998-067CR
38855
Re-entered - 2013 May 9
Life 217 days
1U Cubesat for imaging. Also carries a pulsed laser to transmit visible coded messages that should be visible in, at least, binoculars. Deployed at 15:44 UTC from the Kibo module of the ISS by JSSOD (JEM-Small Satellite Orbital Deployer) which was delivered to the ISS by HTV 3.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Oct 09, 04:5167900.001640142392.8151.65150
We Wish (Thunder Drum)
1998-067CS
38856
Re-entered - 2013 Mar 13
Life 160 days
2U Cubesat Japanese satellite built and operated by Tohoku and Wakayama Universities in Japan. Equipped with a camera with a fish-eye lens for Earth imaging, a prototype star tracker, a deployable membrane to slow the satellite and lower the orbit, and an imaging system to measure the satellite's movement relative to the International Space Station. Deployed 14:37 UTC from the Kibo module of the ISS by JSSOD (JEM-Small Satellite Orbital Deployer) which was delivered to the ISS by HTV 3.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Oct 09, 04:5067900.001939942592.8051.65137


2012-054
Falcon 9 v1.0
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
2012 Oct 8, 00:35
SpaceX Dragon CRS-1
2012-054A
38846
Re-entered - 2012 Oct 28
Life 20 days Returned to Earth
First operational mission of Dragon, and the first carrying cargo to the ISS under NASA's Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) contract . Precise launch time: 00:35:32 UTC. Falcon 9 engine No1 shut down about 1 min after launch and was compensated by the other eight. Captured by ISS remote manipulator Oct 10 at 10:56 UTC, fully bolted to the downward facing Harmony port at 13:03 UTC. Detached from the ISS Oct 28 at about 11:55 UTC and released from the remote manipulator at 13:29 UTC. Landed in the Pacific Ocean 450km off California at 19:22 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Oct 08, 03:5466430.009320332689.8051.6554
2012 Oct 09, 00:3866980.001431133090.9351.65147
2012 Oct 10, 06:1167860.000140740992.7351.6581
2012 Oct 10, 12:1567930.001840342792.8651.65151
Orbcomm OG2
2012-054B
38847
Re-entered - 2012 Oct 10
Life 2 days
Prototype second generation Orbcomm satellite lost because the Falcon 9 second stage did not re-ignite as planned to deliver it to a 350 x 720 km orbit. This was due to insufficient propellant being available because the engine had to make up velocity lost through a problem with the Falcon first stage. Orbcomm was equipped with upgraded communications equipment would have offered a location system for shipping using AIS (Automatic Identification Service) radio transmissions. Released from the launch vehicle at 01:37 UTC and re-entered after two days.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Oct 08, 04:5966220.010617431489.3951.6643


2012-055
Soyuz ST-B + Fregat-MT (VS-03)
Centre Spatiale Guyanaise
2012 Oct 12, 18:15
Galileo 3 (David, Galileo IOV-2 FM3)
2012-055A
38857
in space
One of a pair of dual-launched GIOVE, Galileo IOV (In-Orbit Validation), satellites for the European Space Agency navigation system, similar to GPS, GLONASS and Beidou. Separated from the launch vehicle at 22:00:04 UTC. The first orbit shown is while still attached to the Fregat upper stage of the Soyuz rocket.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Oct 12, 19:43181040.636520223249404.0355.9857
2012 Oct 13, 09:22296290.00032324223259845.9255.34221
2012 Oct 18, 23:40296020.00032321423233844.7655.34251
Galileo 4 (Sif, Galileo IOV-2 FM4)
2012-055B
38858
in space
One of a pair of dual-launched GIOVE, Galileo IOV (In-Orbit Validation), satellites for the European Space Agency navigation system, similar to GPS, GLONASS and Beidou. Separated from the launch vehicle at 22:00:04 UTC. The first orbit shown is while still attached to the Fregat upper stage of the Soyuz rocket.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Oct 13, 16:48296540.00122324123311847.0055.34234
2012 Oct 23, 01:40295550.00132313723216842.7555.34346
Fregat rocket stage
2012-055C
38859
in space
Launched Galileo FM-3 and FM-4. Appears to have made a significant orbit change to take it well away from the satellites' operational region - note particularly the inclination. NOTE: the orbit shown may be based on a SpaceTrack error, orbit may be similar to the two Galileo satellites.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Oct 13, 01:21193490.2639786418077446.4266.16121


2012-056
CZ 2C
Taiyuan Space Centre
2012 Oct 14, 03:25
Shijian 9A (Practice 9A)
2012-056A
38860
in space
One of a dual-launched complementary pair of space technology development satellites. Testing high precision and high stability control systems based on an ion thruster system, power supply systems and efficient thermal control systems. May also equipped for remote imaging. Catalogue number and designation subject to confirmation.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2012 Oct 18, 16:2770170.002162465497.5098.0032610:30
2012 Oct 19, 08:2670140.002262165297.4498.0032610:30
2012 Oct 20, 05:1370100.001762064497.3598.0032510:30
2012 Oct 21, 07:3170140.001762464897.4498.0032410:30
2012 Oct 22, 21:0470150.001862464997.4597.9931810:30
2012 Oct 23, 11:4270150.001962365197.4698.0031610:30
2023 Feb 13, 09:4970060.002860964797.2797.5830506:21
Shijian 9B (Practice 9B)
2012-056B
38861
in space
One of a dual-launched complementary pair of space technology development satellites. Testing high precision and high stability control systems based on an ion thruster system, power supply systems and efficient thermal control systems. May also equipped for remote imaging. Catalogue number and designation subject to confirmation.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2012 Oct 14, 21:1770140.001762464897.4398.0034710:30
2012 Oct 18, 15:4270150.001962465197.4697.9933210:30
2023 Feb 13, 11:1869990.001661063297.1297.5829307:06


2012-057
Proton-M + Briz-M
Baikonur Cosmodrome
2012 Oct 14, 08:37
Intelsat 23
2012-057A
38867
in space
Comsat designed to cover Latin America and Europe as a replacement for Intelsat 707 (1996-015A/23816). Separated from the Briz-M stage of the launch vehicle at 18:06:51 UTC. The first four of the orbits listed are while still attached to the Briz-M and were provided via mission control for the Proton launch vehicle. Expected location - 53° west.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2012 Oct 14, 08:5265590.000317918388.1151.50100
2012 Oct 14, 10:0490370.25903184999142.4948.60356
2012 Oct 14, 15:22252350.727649537219664.9146.25359
2012 Oct 14, 17:51436430.001837187373441512.300.15250
2012 Oct 18, 11:11434550.003736916372371502.490.14252
2012 Oct 19, 18:54428100.011335949369151469.190.126830° west
2012 Oct 23, 10:13422420.002035780359481440.060.1324050° west
2012 Oct 25, 10:51421930.000935779358511437.540.1224351° west
2012 Nov 10, 04:46421650.000235780357931436.090.0210053° west
2023 Feb 12, 11:01421660.000235781357951436.160.0411053° west


2012-058
Soyuz-FG 11A511U-FG
Baikonur Cosmodrome
2012 Oct 23, 10:51
Soyuz TMA-06M (Soyuz 11F732A47 № 707)
2012-058A
38871
Re-entered - 2013 Mar 16
Life 144 days Returned to Earth
Crew to ISS, carrying Russian cosmonauts Oleg Novitsky (Soyuz commander, flight engineer ISS-33/ISS-34) and Eugene Tarelkin (Soyuz flight engineer and ISS-33/ISS-34 flight engineer) and U.S. astronaut Kevin Ford (Soyuz flight engineer and commander of the ISS-33 and ISS-34 missions). Precise time - 10:51:10.934 UTC. Postponed from Oct 15 due to need to replace a faulty onboard instrument. Docked with the Poisk module Oct 25 at 12:35 UTC. Undocked 2013 Mar 15 at 23:42 UTC. Landed 50 km NNE of Arkalyk, Khazakhstan Mar 16 at 03:05 UTC carrying its original crew.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
estimated orbit65880.002919123088.7051.6676
2012 Oct 23, 12:0865900.002119822588.7351.6456
2012 Oct 23, 23:0266610.005025031690.1751.65153
2012 Oct 24, 18:1866620.004725331590.2051.65158
2012 Oct 27, 15:2367910.001740242592.8351.65215


2012-059
CZ 3C
Xichang Space Centre
2012 Oct 25, 15:33
Beidou 16 (Beidou-2 G-6)
2012-059A
38953
in space
Phase 1 operational satellite in China's navigation satellite system. It also provides time and messaging services for the Asia-Pacific region from geosynchronous orbit. Precise launch time - 15:33:04 UTC, injected into geosynchronous near its planned location at 80° east on Oct 28 at approx 10:00 UTC. On completion of testing, Beidou 16 became the final satellite needed to provide full navigation coverage in the Asia-Pacific region.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2012 Oct 25, 10:49238170.725216734712609.6820.54180
2012 Nov 01, 17:26421650.000335775357991436.111.8430480° east
2016 Mar 29, 20:18421650.000235779357951436.100.7525380° east
2023 Feb 12, 20:36421650.001135741358331436.131.5229784° east


2012-060
Soyuz-U 11A511U
Baikonur Cosmodrome
2012 Oct 31, 07:41
Progress M-17M (Progress 7K-TGM №417)
2012-060A
38975
Re-entered - 2013 Apr 21
Life 172 days
Supplies to ISS, re-scheduled from Nov 1. Precise launch time - 07:41:18 UTC. Following fast trajectory, docked with rear port of Zvezda at 13:33 UTC, seven minutes ahead of schedule. Hooks and latches were engaged at 13:42 UTC. Undocked 2013 April 15, 12:02 UTC for six days of Radar-Progress experiments. Retro-fire for 173s 2013 April 21 at 14:10 UTC provided Δv of 90 m/s and led to a destructive re-entry with any surviving fragments hitting the surface of the southern Pacific Ocean around 15:02 UTC near 51°.5 south, 128°.1 west.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Oct 31, 07:2965860.002918922788.6651.6388
2012 Oct 31, 08:5966440.006022630689.8351.64233
2012 Oct 31, 13:4367910.001640242492.8351.65230
2013 Apr 17, 09:5567680.002437340692.3551.65259


2012-061
Proton-M + Briz-M
Baikonur Cosmodrome
2012 Nov 2, 21:04
Luch 5B
2012-061A
38977
in space
Designed to relay commands and data to and from satellites in LEO up to 2000 kilometres when outside the the areas covered by Russian ground stations. Other functions include secure Presidential communication links, command relay to rockets and spacecraft, and communication with the International Space Station. It will also provide time correction for GLONASS users. Separated from the Briz-M Nov 3 at 06:33 UTC. Expected location - 16° west.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2012 Nov 02, 21:1465510.000117217387.9451.55100
2012 Nov 02, 22:2090080.26272634996141.8050.29360
2012 Nov 26, 21:25423820.001935921360861447.190.24713° east
2012 Dec 09, 11:00422610.002135795359691440.990.24215° west
2012 Dec 10, 01:56422240.001235795358971439.110.2432715° west
2014 Sep 26, 07:45421640.000535765358071436.051.5310116° west
2023 Feb 12, 19:48421650.000035785357881436.107.8121016° west
Yamal 300K
2012-061B
38978
in space
Russian domestic broadcast comsat. Separated from the launch vehicle Nov 3 at 06:19 UTC. Intermediate orbits shown are while still attached to the Briz-M. Expected location - 90° east.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2012 Nov 02, 21:1465510.000117217387.9451.55100
2012 Nov 02, 22:2090080.26272634996141.8050.29360
2012 Nov 03, 05:19244680.723937835802634.8348.65360
2012 Nov 27, 01:37420890.002635600358211432.210.1822488° east
2012 Nov 29, 15:19421090.002435632358311433.270.1822890° east
2012 Nov 30, 15:51421290.002735636358661434.290.1821590° east
2012 Dec 03, 00:27421640.003135654359181436.070.1920290° east
2023 Feb 12, 12:45421650.000135784357891436.090.016177° west


2012-062
Ariane 5ECA (VA-210)
Centre Spatiale Guyanaise
2012 Nov 9, 21:05
Star One C3
2012-062A
38991
in space
Comsat for Brazil. It will serve all of South America. Separated from the launch vehicle at 21:37 UTC. Expected location - 75° west.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2012 Nov 11, 15:24244050.728026035794632.381.98178
2012 Nov 13, 14:49270820.5565563335775739.231.06179
2012 Nov 15, 05:28321530.31091578035770956.300.41177
2012 Nov 17, 17:07385870.092728633357851257.260.07180
2012 Nov 18, 17:24420900.001935634357901432.280.0313475° west
2012 Nov 20, 20:09421360.000835725357921434.640.0312574° west
2012 Nov 24, 04:51421650.000135782357911436.100.017373° west
2023 Feb 13, 11:01421640.000235777357951436.080.044975° west
Eutelsat 21B
2012-062B
38992
in space
Business and broadcast services for Europe, North and West Africa, the Near-East and Middle-East. Separated from the launch vehicle at 21:33 UTC. Test location - 32° east. Expected operational location - 21°.5 east.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2012 Nov 11, 23:52243690.728025035733631.001.98178
2012 Nov 17, 01:36420190.002235550357331428.680.031228° east
2012 Nov 18, 23:08420860.001435647357681432.060.0331531° east
2012 Nov 19, 22:45421290.000835717357851434.290.0325232° east
2012 Nov 21, 00:09421670.000035787357911436.220.0335332° east
2012 Dec 14, 05:54422520.000135868358801440.570.0829525° east
2012 Dec 19, 04:20421650.000235777357971436.120.0919422° east
2023 Feb 13, 05:02421650.000335775357991436.120.0731722° east


2012-063
Soyuz-2 1B + Fregat
Plesetsk Cosmodrome
2012 Nov 14, 11:42
Meridian 6 (Meridian № 16L)
2012-063A
38995
in space
HEO military/government comsat to support Russian forces, commercial shipping and communication ground stations at northern latitudes across Russia. Meridian also supports the clandestine short messaging system formerly provided by the Parus satellites.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Nov 15, 10:57267370.724997739740725.1462.82295
2012 Nov 27, 15:07266080.723199139470719.9362.81295
2012 Nov 29, 21:50265620.7220100639362718.0462.73295


2012-064
CZ 2C
Taiyuan Space Centre
2012 Nov 18, 22:53
Huanjing 1C (Environmental Satellite 1C)
2012-064A
38997
Re-entered - 2023 Mar 1
Life 3755 days
Part of China's disaster monitoring satellite constellation, fitted with a synthetic aperture radar. The SAR instrument thas a swath width of 100 km and is capable of 20 m resolution imagery. Precise lift-off time - 22:53:04 UTC. Although the orbit is sun-synchronous, it is not essential to the radar mission but it serves to keep HJ-1C in formation with the dual-launched, optical imaging satellites, HJ-1A (2008-041A/33320) and HJ-1B (2008-041B/33321) satellites. Orbit ground track follows the day/night terminator.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2012 Nov 20, 17:4268740.001048950394.5397.3524106:00
2023 Feb 13, 14:2666790.000329830390.5397.0520007:31
Fengniao 1 & 1A (Hummingbird 1 & 1A)
2012-064B
38998
in space
Joined pair of small satellites to demonstrate technology for controlling co-orbiting vehicles. Equipment includes network communications between the two satellites to allow Fengniao 1 to relay commands to Fengniao 1A. The twosatellites were expected to separate from each other after entering orbit and move as far as 0.5 km apart. No additional object was catalogued by NORAD but that does not preclude the fact that they separated successfully. Fengniao 1 may also have carried an Earth imaging system.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2012 Nov 20, 17:3868720.000848850094.4997.3525906:00
2023 Feb 13, 08:0767760.000539440192.5197.118807:54
Xinyan 1
2012-064C
38999
Re-entered - 2019 Oct 5
Life 2512 days
Small satellite related to development of satellite systems - payload details awaited. Precise lift-off time - 22:53:04 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2012 Nov 20, 06:0668730.000948950194.5197.3524906:00


2012-065
Proton-M + Briz-M
Baikonur Cosmodrome
2012 Nov 20, 18:31
Echostar 16
2012-065A
39008
in space
Commercial comsat providing direct broadcast services to the US. Satellite operator Echostar provides on-orbit services for the DISH HDTV network. Separated from the launch vehicle Nov 21 at 03:42 UTC. The first four orbits listed are based on data from Khrunichev, the first three were measured while still attached to the Briz-M. Expected location - 61°.5 west longitude.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2012 Nov 20, 18:5065550.000117617888.0351.55100
2012 Nov 20, 19:5690100.26242674996141.8550.34356
2012 Nov 20, 22:18244870.722142735791635.5949.46359
2012 Nov 21, 03:30254840.6543243235781674.8029.470
2012 Nov 24, 21:39320390.31601553635785951.207.481
2012 Nov 25, 13:33359220.173523310357781129.273.482
2012 Nov 27, 09:38415330.014634550357601403.950.311568° west
2012 Nov 28, 18:29421570.000535756358011435.680.0625167° west
2012 Dec 04, 05:18421640.000235776357961436.060.0526267° west
2012 Dec 29, 10:10421090.000135727357361433.270.0410666° west
2013 Jan 07, 07:50421650.000235778357961436.110.02461° west
2023 Feb 12, 05:49421650.000235777357961436.080.0222061° west


2012-066
CZ 4C
Jiuquan Space Centre
2012 Nov 25, 04:06
Yaogan 16 Leader
2012-066A
39011
in space
Remote sensing satellite described as undertaking land resources surveys and crop yield estimation. However, its purpose may be ocean surveillance similar to the US NOSS triplet formations that orbited at a similar altitude and inclination. The ground track lies 75° to the west of Yaogan 9 (2010-009A/36413) so it surveys a similar area about five hours later. Precise launch time - 04:06:04.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Nov 25, 05:5174730.001310851105107.1563.3910
2013 Sep 01, 11:3174690.002610711110107.0663.38353
2014 Aug 09, 18:1474680.005610481132107.0563.38358
2023 Feb 12, 09:5774680.03338411338107.0463.3618
Yaogan 16 Trailer
2012-066B
39012
in space
One of two further payloads forming the Yaogan 16 mission, and flying in formation with it. May be similar to the US NOSS triplet formations that orbited at a similar altitude and inclination.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Nov 25, 09:2774720.001410841104107.1463.3813
2013 Sep 01, 11:3174690.002510711109107.0663.38352
2014 Aug 09, 18:1474680.005610481132107.0563.38358
2023 Feb 13, 03:5274680.03338411338107.0463.3718
Yaogan 16 Outlier
2012-066C
39013
in space
One of two further payloads forming the Yaogan 16 mission, and flying in formation with it. May be similar to the US NOSS triplet formations that orbited at a similar altitude and inclination.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Nov 25, 09:2774720.001510831105107.1363.3815
2013 Sep 02, 01:4774690.002610711109107.0663.38352
2014 Aug 10, 03:0974680.005610491132107.0563.38358
2023 Feb 13, 03:4674680.03338411339107.0463.3617
CZ 4C third stage
2012-066D
39014
in space
Adjusted orbit as a collision avoidance manoeuvre soon after satellite separation.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Nov 27, 16:5273770.01478911107105.1063.4421


2012-067
CZ 3B/E
Xichang Space Centre
2012 Nov 27, 10:13
Zhongxing 12 (Chinasat 12)
2012-067A
39017
in space
Commercial communications satellite covering Asia, Africa and Australasia, including the China Sea, Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea. Launch postponed from Nov 22 due to a pressure leak in a line connecting the launch vehicle to ground equipment. Precise launch time - 10:13:03 UTC. Separated from the launch vehicle 10:38:58 UTC. Orbit data for super-synchronous transfer orbit is based on Chinese news sources. Arrived at test location, 51°.5 east, 2013 mid-January. Because of the way the Chinasat website presented information about it, some websites (including zarya.info and SpaceTrack) renamed it to Chinsat 15A, a name reserved for a future launch - it was an error. Commenced move to operational location 2013 April 19 and arrived at 87°.5 east on May 18 where it will ultimately replace Chinasat 5A.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2012 Nov 27, 10:39316800.791921550389935.2726.80180
2012 Dec 10, 14:12421610.000635759358071435.920.049582° east
2012 Dec 12, 23:46421640.000335773358001436.080.02582° east
2012 Dec 23, 00:49421650.000035785357891436.100.0713182° east
2012 Dec 29, 18:07422840.000135903359081442.190.072071° east
2013 Jan 12, 19:19422160.001035796358791438.690.0625552° east
2013 Jan 15, 15:09421650.000235777357961436.110.035951° east
2013 Apr 20, 20:56420610.000135679356861430.790.1132854° east
2013 May 13, 00:28420560.000135675356811430.550.0629685° east
2013 May 19, 16:39421510.002135684358611435.380.0430388° east
2013 May 20, 21:00421640.000335775357961436.050.046288° east
2023 Feb 13, 03:11421650.000335775357981436.100.0219188° east


2012-068
Soyuz ST-B + Fregat-M (VS-04)
Centre Spatiale Guyanaise
2012 Dec 2, 02:02
Pléiades 1B
2012-068A
39019
in space
Second of a pair of French digital imaging satellites with very high resolution sensors for use by commercial organisations, government and the military. Precise launch time: 02:02:50 UTC, separated from the launch vehicle at 02:57:45 UTC. The Fregat rocket stage then made a retro-firing that led to a destructive re-entry above the Indian Ocean near 20° south, 85° east a little before 05:00 UTC, about one and a half circuits after launch. Postponed from Dec 1 due to an "anomaly in the countdown" that occurred about 25 minutes before scheduled lift-off.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
estimated orbit70630.000967869198.4598.5019610:15
2013 May 15, 22:0670760.000469570198.7398.2130710:31
2023 Feb 13, 11:3170760.000169769998.7398.219210:30


2012-069
Zenit-3SL
Sea Launch Platform 'Odyssey', Kiritmati
2012 Dec 3, 20:43
Eutelsat 70B
2012-069A
39020
in space
Commercial communications satellite to cover Europe, Africa, Central Asia and Southeast Asia for government and commercial customers. Delayed from Dec 2 due to late arrival on site of the floating launch platform. Precise launch time 20:43:59 UTC at the opening of a 54 minute launch window. Separated from the launch vehicle at 21:50:01 UTC. The first orbit listed is while still attached to the Zenit's Blok-DMSL stage, and prior to its second firing at L+50 minutes. Expected location 70°.5 east.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
estimated orbit72450.09481801553102.280.000
2012 Dec 03, 21:22249170.6880139635682652.400.07222
2012 Dec 06, 13:30345500.216420694356501065.220.04246
2012 Dec 11, 01:40420660.001435630357471431.080.0311649° east
2012 Dec 13, 00:53421370.000835726357921434.690.0335451° east
2012 Dec 14, 19:34421660.000235782357951436.180.051951° east
2013 Jan 08, 16:34420080.000135625356361428.120.0722858° east
2013 Jan 16, 01:22421680.000235780358001436.280.0620671° east
2023 Feb 13, 08:01421650.000435769358051436.110.0624771° east


2012-070
Proton-M + Briz-M
Baikonur Cosmodrome
2012 Dec 8, 13:13
Yamal 402
2012-070A
39022
in space
Russian domestic communications satellite owned by Gazprom. It is capable of serving the region covering Russia, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. Precise launch time - 13:13:43 UTC. The first three orbits shown are based on Khrunichev data while still attached to the Briz-M. Separated early from the launch vehicle into 3075 x 35673 km, 26°.06 orbit when the Briz-M engine shut down unexpectedly. Used its own engines to propel itself from there to geosynchronous drift orbit where it arrived Dec 14 and use of propellant has reportedly reduced its station-keeping lifetime from 15 to 11 years. Expected location - 55° east.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2012 Dec 08, 13:3065550.000017717788.0351.56100
2012 Dec 08, 14:3990380.25893204999142.5149.61358
2012 Dec 08, 17:01244180.717651835561632.8848.000
2012 Dec 09, 16:17257520.6329307535673685.4526.06360
2012 Dec 10, 08:34262530.6236350436245705.5326.172
2012 Dec 16, 17:03420530.001135628357211430.380.064352° east
2012 Dec 17, 17:54421070.000835693357651433.150.0510453° east
2012 Dec 20, 18:33421650.000035786357891436.130.0530154° east
2023 Feb 12, 06:19421640.000435768358031436.040.0319255° east
Briz-M
2012-070C
39024
Re-entered - 2022 Jul 13
Life 3504 days
Final stage of Yamal 402 launch vehicle. Awaiting SpaceTrack confirmation of catalogue number and designation. the orbit shown is correct but SpaceTrack originally had this item tagged as the APT.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Dec 09, 12:48257500.6334306235683685.3926.07360
Briz-M APT
2012-070B
39023
in space
Detachable propellant tank from the Briz-M. The orbit shown is correct but SpaceTrack initially had this item tagged as the Briz-M itself.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Dec 09, 06:10244350.718250835605633.5347.960


2012-071
Atlas V 501, AV-034
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
2012 Dec 11, 18:03
USA 240 (OTV-3, X-37B#1 Flight 2)
2012-071A
39025
Re-entered - 2014 Oct 17
Life 675 days Returned to Earth
Second flight of the first model of the USAF/Boeing X-37B space plane. Detailed payload and mission purpose are unknown. Launch by United Launch Alliance an behalf of USAF Rapid Capabilities Office. Landed on the runway at Vandenberg AFB 2014 Oct 17 at 16:24 UTC. The first orbit listed is an estimate by Ted Molczan based on observations from Cape Town by Greg Roberts soon after launch. Element sets were not released by Space-Track so remaining orbits are based on amateur observation.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Dec 12, 18:0067280.001234235891.5443.50327
2013 Mar 06, 00:3667750.000539340092.4943.64112
2014 Jul 22, 07:5467290.002033736591.5643.51324
Atlas V upper stage
uncatalogued
Re-entered - 2012 Dec 11
Life <1 day
Launched USA 240 (OTV-3/X-37B). Caused to re-enter above the southern Indian Ocean about 55 minutes after launch.
Not Catalogued - orbit parameters unavailable


2012-072
Unha 3
Sohae Launch Centre
2012 Dec 12, 00:49
Kwangmyongsong 3 (Lodestar 3)
2012-072A
39026
Re-entered - 2023 Sep 13
Life 3927 days
Reportedly for remote imaging. Mass 100 kg. Precise launch time 00:49:46 UTC, about 140 min into the window. Released from launch vehicle at 00:59:13 UTC. Launch vehicle followed a dog-leg ground track to avoid overflight of China and The Philippines during the ascent.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2012 Dec 13, 17:4169180.006049858295.4497.4116708:59
2016 Feb 07, 22:5168760.004546752994.5897.2612507:20
2023 Feb 13, 10:0368000.002440543793.0097.281805:04
KMS 3 rocket (Unha 3)
2012-072B
39027
in space
Launched Kwangmyongsong 3, finished in higher orbit than the satellite.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Dec 13, 19:1869210.006649858995.5197.41169


2012-073
CZ 2D
Jiuquan Space Centre
2012 Dec 18, 16:13
Göktürk 2
2012-073A
39030
in space
Turkish military/civilian imaging satellite launched under contract by China. Precise lift-off time: 16:13:04 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2012 Dec 18, 22:5470580.001467069098.3598.1627322:30
2023 Feb 13, 09:3070300.000165165297.7697.825221:07
CZ 2D second stage
2012-073B
39031
Re-entered - 2012 Dec 31
Life 13 days
Launched Göktürk 2, orbit shown was used to dispose of it by re-entry into the atmosphere, perigee at 144 km ensured it was destroyed within a few days of launch.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Dec 18, 18:4867950.040114469092.9196.571


2012-074
Soyuz-FG 11A511U-FG
Baikonur Cosmodrome
2012 Dec 19, 12:12
Soyuz TMA-07M (Soyuz 11F732A47 № 704A)
2012-074A
39032
Re-entered - 2013 May 14
Life 146 days Returned to Earth
Crew to ISS - Hadfield, Mashburn, Romanenko. Precise launch time: 12:12:35 UTC. Separated from Launch Vehicle at 12:22:15 UTC. Docked with ISS Rassvet port 2012 Dec 21 at 14:08 UTC about 3.5 minutes earlier than planned.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Dec 19, 14:1465930.003219423788.8051.6477
2012 Dec 19, 19:5666800.007225335090.5551.64144
2012 Dec 20, 18:0666810.006925734990.5851.65147
2012 Dec 21, 14:0067890.001739942392.7851.6570


2012-075
Ariane 5ECA (VA-211)
Centre Spatiale Guyanaise
2012 Dec 19, 21:49
Skynet 5D
2012-075A
39034
in space
Military comsat for the UK government. Separated from the launch vehicle at 22:16 UTC. Rumoured locatiion - 53° east, the position occupied by Skynet 5B that was anticipated to move to 25° east. However, Skynet 5D headed for 25° east.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2012 Dec 20, 01:48244160.728225835817632.791.99178
2012 Dec 28, 19:50420890.004635516359071432.250.2318924° east
2013 Jan 01, 01:27421660.000335775358001436.150.228224° east
2023 Feb 12, 13:15421650.000435769358051436.130.0732553° east
Mexsat Bicentenario (MexSat 3)
2012-075B
39035
in space
Comsat for the Mexican Secretariat of Communications and Transport. The name celebrates independence from Spain in 1810. Separated from the launch vehicle at 22:13 UTC. Expected location - 114°.9 west.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2012 Dec 20, 00:50243950.727925935774631.982.00178
2012 Dec 22, 16:10268600.5692519335771730.171.18179
2012 Dec 24, 13:50322530.30681598035771960.780.49180
2012 Dec 26, 13:13394760.068030412357831300.930.12186
2012 Dec 27, 19:37420530.002835558357921430.390.10201117° west
2012 Dec 30, 16:30421080.001535669357911433.210.07180115° west
2012 Dec 31, 16:41421640.000135782357901436.070.08202115° west
2023 Feb 13, 08:48421650.000235777357961436.100.01252115° west


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