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


Tyneside, UK
2025 Mar 18
Tuesday, Day 77

Curated by:








Special Orbits:




Coming Down:



Recent Years:




















Between Times:



Earlier Times:









Orbital elements based on amateur observations

Satellite observers' discussion group

Database of amateur observations using radio

Primary source of unclassified orbital elements
2011 - 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 either 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. The Space-Track data 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. Such data is published near-daily by Mike McCants. Occasionally, orbits are estimated by myself from public data.

Space-Track sometimes has insufficient information to allocate names to objects in its catalogue. In these cases, names are derived from public information.

Apogee and perigee are measured against a spherical Earth with a radius of 6378.145 km, assumed to be situated at the focus of the orbital ellipse. The value for the orbital period 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 Orbital Focus data 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=2011#001

You can keep up to date with changes or mission events by following Orbital Focus at Blue Sky.


2011-001
Zenit-2SB (Zenit-2 + Fregat-SB)
Baikonur Cosmodrome
2011 Jan 20, 12:29
Elektro-L №1 (GOMS № 2)
2011-001A
37344
in space
Second generation Russian geosynchronous metsat. It provides a multispectral image of the complete visible hemisphere every 30 minutes with the interval increased to 15 minutes to cope with emergencies. Elektro-L also carries a COSPAS-SARSAT search and rescue system receiver. Towards the end of 2014 the satellite lost the ability to point itself accurately so it moved into a phase of working in degraded mode. Expected location: 76° east. 2015 Aug 29, the orbit was raised in order to move it to 14°.5 west where it arrived around Sep 1.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2011 Jan 20, 16:04244330.7244    35635754633.4748.52360
2011 Jan 24, 00:00419290.0063    35288358131424.050.467
2011 Feb 12, 15:48421650.0011    35741358321436.090.427875°.9 E
2016 Jul 13, 00:17421650.0004    35771358021436.101.7627275°.8 E
2016 Jul 15, 14:42423230.0034    35801360891444.191.7681
2016 Aug 24, 05:20423210.0034    35798360891444.101.8382
2016 Aug 29, 16:42422220.0011    35800358891439.051.858212°.9 W
2016 Aug 31, 03:31421800.0004    35784358201436.901.8524813°.6 W
2016 Sep 9, 03:29421650.0000    35785357891436.111.8726814°.1 W
2023 Feb 12, 21:19421650.0007    35756358171436.096.88360145°.5 E


2011-002
Delta 4 Heavy, Delta 352
Vandenberg Air Force Base
2011 Jan 20, 21:10
USA 224 (KH- 11 Block-4 F2?/Crystal)
2011-002A
37348
in space
KH-11 reconnaissance satellite. Commercial launch by United Launch Alliance, originally planned for Jan 17 - reason not given for postponement. Orbital elements not released by Spacetrack so parameters are based on amateur observation.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2011 Jan 26, 21:0570160.0549    252102397.4797.9024813:00
2013 Aug 6, 00:4170190.0545    258102397.5397.8813112:58
2019 Aug 10, 23:1170140.0535    261101197.4397.9118712:56
2022 Jul 27, 05:0368920.0375    25677394.9198.0522714:17


2011-003
H-IIB (F-2)
Tanegashima Space Centre
2011 Jan 22, 05:37
HTV 2 (Kounotori 2)
2011-003A
37351
Re-entered - 2011 Mar 30
Life 67 days
Unmanned inter-orbital cargo transporter carrying six tonnes of supplies including food, clothing and experimental equipment to the International Space Station. HTV 2 was captured by the ISS Canadarm 2 Jan 27 at 11:41 UTC and berthed at the lower docking port of the US Harmony Node at 14:51 UTC. For the STS-133 mission, it was relocated temporarily to Harmony's upper docking port to allow clearance for the docked Shuttle. It was undocked Mar 28 at 15:46 UTC at and completed a destructive re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere Mar 30 at 03:09 UTC. Re-entry was monitored by a Re-entry Breakup Recorder (REBR-1).

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Jan 22, 08:0866230.0085    18930189.4151.65315
2011 Jan 22, 17:0766960.0011    31132590.8851.65274
2011 Jan 27, 09:2767310.0004    35035591.5951.64235


2011-004
Soyuz-U 11A511U
Baikonur Cosmodrome
2011 Jan 28, 01:31
Progress M-09M (Progress 7K-TGM №409)
2011-004A
37359
Re-entered - 2011 Apr 26
Life 88 days
Supplies to the ISS, including a small satellite named Kedr (after Gagarin's call sign) - released into orbit during an EVA Feb 21. Docked automatically at the Pirs module Jan 30 at 02:38:50 UTC. Undocked Apr 22 at 11:41 UTC, and conducted a Radar Progress mission. Retro-fire of 125s duration on Apr 26 at 12:36 UTC provided a Δv of 67.2 m/s, leading to a destructive re-entry. Any surviving fragents fell into the southern Pacific Ocean at 13:22:53 UTC near 38°.9 south, 128°.8 west.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Jan 28, 01:2065910.0039    18823988.7651.6477
2011 Jan 28, 10:4466590.0030    26130190.1451.645
2011 Jan 29, 09:3866600.0031    26230390.1651.646


2011-005
Rockot + Briz-KM
Plesetsk Cosmodrome
2011 Feb 1, 14:00
Cosmos 2470 (Geo-IK-2 № 11/Musson 2-1)
2011-005A
37362
Re-entered - 2013 Jul 15
Life 895 days
Geodetic satellite, based on the GLONASS-M chassis with equipment including radar altimeter, laser retro reflectors plus GLONASS and GPS receivers. Aimed at 1000 km circular orbit but circularisation burn of the Briz-KM did not occur. As a result, the satellite was unable to generate sufficient power from its solar cells. Mar 2, the satellite was declared as a loss and unable to conduct its intended mission. Later in 2011 Cosmos 2470's orbit allowed its batteries to charge sufficiently for it to start working and controllers were successful in sending commands but it was unable to fulfil any of its original duties. Re-entered 2013 Jul 15 around 14:27 UTC while southbound over China.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Feb 2, 17:3970530.0452    35699398.2499.4595


2011-006
Minotaur I
Vandenberg Air Force Base
2011 Feb 6, 12:26
USA 225 (NRO L-66)
2011-006A
37364
in space
Small payload for reconnaissance technology/sensor development, developed under the Rapid Pathfinder Programme (RPP). Also monitoring radiation levels. Launch brought forward from 2011 March then postponed from Feb 5. Orbital elements not released by Spacetrack. The orbit is an estimate based on public comments.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
estimated orbit75780.0002    11991202109.4290.0090


2011-007
Ariane 5ES (VA-200)
Centre Spatiale Guyanaise
2011 Feb 16, 21:51
ATV 2 (Johannes Kepler)
2011-007A
37368
Re-entered - 2011 Jun 21
Life 125 days
European Space Agency cargo carrier to the ISS. ATV 2 docked automatically with the rear port of Zvezda on Feb 24 at 15:59:03 UTC. Its engines were used to boost the ISS orbit from 350 to near-400 km during 2011 late-spring. The final orbit listed below is just before departure from the ISS. It undocked Jun 20 at 14:46 UTC. On Jun 21 at 17:07 UTC, a retrofire sequence commenced, leading to re-entry. Any surviving fragments hit the Pacific Ocean at 20:50 UTC. Re-entry was was monitored by the second Re-entry Breakup Recorder (REBR-2).

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Feb 17, 02:5266380.0010    25326689.7051.64283
2011 Feb 17, 10:3166480.0003    26827289.9151.64304
2011 Feb 19, 01:1766470.0003    26727189.8951.64305
2011 Feb 20, 01:1266510.0003    27127589.9751.64278
2011 Feb 23, 01:0166560.0005    27428190.0651.65320
2011 Feb 24, 08:4967220.0003    34234691.4151.65322
2011 Jun 18, 10:5167600.0011    37438992.1951.64259


2011-008
Space Shuttle Discovery, OV-103
Kennedy Space Center
2011 Feb 24, 21:53
STS-133
2011-008A
37371
Re-entered - 2011 Mar 9
Life 13 days Returned to Earth
Launch to ISS with supplies and equipment including the Permanent Multi-Purpose Module (PMM) for attachment to the station. The PMM is a refurbishment of Leonardo, a Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM). Postponed from 2010 Nov 1 due to the need to repair helium and nitrogen leaks in the pressurization portion of Discovery’s right-hand Orbital Maneuvering System (OMS) pod. Crew consisted of Alvin Drew, Nicole Stott, Eric Boe, Steven Lindsey, Michael Barratt and Steve Bowen. Docked with the forward facing docking unit of the Harmony module Feb 26 at 19:14. Undocked Mar 7 at 16:57. Retro-fire on Mar 9 at 15:55 UTC led to a landing on the Kennedy SC runway with wheel stop at 16:58:03 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Feb 25, 01:0865720.0058    15623288.3751.64344
2011 Feb 25, 11:3365940.0026    19923388.8251.64331
2011 Feb 26, 05:2766020.0016    21323488.9751.65333
2011 Feb 27, 14:0567300.0005    34935591.5851.6516
2011 Mar 8, 13:2967280.0009    34435691.5451.6434
2011 Mar 9, 03:3167140.0028    31835591.2651.640


2011-009
Soyuz-2.1b + Fregat
Plesetsk Cosmodrome
2011 Feb 26, 03:07
Cosmos 2471 (Uragan-K1 № 11L)
2011-009A
37372
in space
Experimental navigation satellite. GLONASS-K is a new design and has a planned life of ten years. One of the major advancements is that it is unpressurised, leading to a reduction in the mass, allowing a single satellite to be Soyuz launched. GLONASS-K also carries radio receiving equipment for the COSPAS-SARSAT international search and rescue system.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Mar 1, 01:43258750.0084    1927919715690.3964.77137
2011 Mar 2, 13:23255190.0005    1912919153676.1664.77230
2011 Mar 25, 13:05255090.0006    1911719145675.7764.77259


2011-F01 - failed to reach orbit
Taurus 3110
Vandenberg Air Force Base
2011 Mar 4, 10:09
Explorer 1 Prime
Cubesat, lost on the failed Glory launch, for Montana State University to measure the radiation belts as discovered by the original Explorer 1.
Glory
NASA satellite for Earth energy balance studies - to allow scientists to better understand how the sun and atmospheric aerosols affect the Earth's climate. Lost when the launcher payload fairing remained attached to the upper stage. The extra mass prevented the stack from reaching orbit. Similar failure to the launch of NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory 2009 Feb 24 (also a Taurus XL).
Hermes
Cubesat, lost on the failed Glory launch, for the University of Colorado with experiments to test a high data-rate communication system for use in tiny satellites,
Kysat 1
Cubesat, lost on the failed Glory launch, for the Kentucky Space Consortium, including a camera and a 2.4 gigahertz scientific/medical band radio that was to be used to test high-bandwidth communications for student use.


2011-010
Atlas V 501, AV-026
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
2011 Mar 5, 22:46
USA 226 (OTV-2, X-37B#2 Flight 1)
2011-010A
37375
Re-entered - 2012 Jun 16
Life 469 days Returned to Earth
Second X-37B space plane - making its first flight. A mission by the first X-37B flight model was undertaken during 2010 and this second flight will refine some of the tests that it undertook. Mission originally planned for 270 days to Nov 30 but, on that day, USAF announced an indefinite extension. 2012 May 30 - USAF let it be known that the X-37B will return to Vandenberg AFB during tthe first two weeks of June, it landed 2012 Jun 16 at 12:48 UTC. Orbital elements not released by Spacetrack so parameters are based on amateur observation.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Mar 30, 03:1367070.0012    32133791.1142.81148
2011 Nov 27, 18:2167130.0014    32534491.2242.7614
2012 Jan 7, 21:2167130.0010    32834191.2242.7819
2012 May 18, 02:0966620.0028    26530290.1942.80208
Atlas V upper stage
uncatalogued
Re-entered - 2011 Mar 5
Life <1 day
Launched USA 226 (OTV-2/X-37B). Caused to re-enter above the southern Indian Ocean about 55 minutes after launch.
Not Catalogued - orbit parameters unavailable


2011-011
Delta 4 Medium+ 4,2
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
2011 Mar 11, 23:38
USA 227 (SDS-3 F-5)
2011-011A
37377
in space
Third generation Satellite Data System government/military communications satellite. Checked out at 30° west longitude before moving to the operational location at 10° west. Replaced USA 155/SDS-3 F1 (2000-080A/26635). Orbital elements not released by Spacetrack so parameters are based on amateur observation.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
estimated orbit252600.7365    27837486665.9026.50183
estimated orbit428680.0246    35435375431472.155.86179
2011 Apr 8, 11:51421650.0001    35783357921436.124.921530°.4 W
2011 Aug 1, 03:02421650.0001    35782357921436.124.89139°.9 W


2011-012
Soyuz-FG 11A511U-FG
Baikonur Cosmodrome
2011 Apr 4, 22:18
Soyuz TMA-21 (Soyuz 11F732A17 № 231)
2011-012A
37382
Re-entered - 2011 Sep 16
Life 165 days Returned to Earth
Launch of crew towards the ISS - Aleksandr Samokutayev (Soyuz commander), Andrei Borisienko and Ronald Garan (NASA) . Precise time - 22:18:20 UTC. To mark the 50th anniversary of the first human space flight, the vehicle was named "Yuri Gagarin". Delayed from Mar 30 by a fault in the onboard Kvant-V communications control system, detected during testing. Docked with the Poisk Module Apr 6 at 23:09:17 UTC. Undocked carrying Borisenko, Samokutyaev and Garan 2011 Sep 16, 00:38:12 UTC, landed 03:59:39 UTC 148 kilometers southeast of Dzhezkazgan in Kazakhstan - 47°.16 degrees north, 69°.35 degrees east.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Apr 5, 04:2766400.0019    24927489.7451.6428
2011 Apr 6, 04:2266440.0025    24928289.8251.6432
2011 Apr 7, 12:1167290.0002    34935291.5551.6578


2011-013
CZ 3A
Xichang Space Centre
2011 Apr 9, 20:47
Beidou 8 (Beidou-2 IGEO-3)
2011-013A
37384
in space
Fully-functional satellite in China's pre-operational navigation satellite system.. It also provides time and messaging services for the Asia-Pacific region from its 55° inclined geosynchronous orbit that crosses the equator near 118° east longitude to share service with Beidou 2-05 (2010-036A/36828) and Beidou 2-07 (2010-068A 37256).

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
estimated orbit239210.7253    19234893613.6555.10175
2011 Apr 13, 20:06420270.0012    35599356981429.0555.29333117°.5 E
2011 Apr 15, 14:15421600.0021    35694358711435.8755.29184117°.7 E
2016 Mar 28, 21:17421610.0026    35672358931435.8957.28204121°.1 E
2023 Feb 13, 07:05421600.0025    35678358851435.8360.65189106°.0 E


2011-014
Atlas V 411, AV-027
Vandenberg Air Force Base
2011 Apr 15, 04:24
USA 229 p/l 1 (NOSS 3-5 p/l 1, Intruder)
2011-014A
37386
in space
Navy Ocean Surveillance Satellite (NOSS) - main payload. Orbit is based on amateur observations.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 May 2, 22:0774890.0125    10181204107.5063.46179
USA 229 p/l 2 (NOSS 3-5 p/l 2, Intruder)
2011-014B
37391
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 )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 May 2, 22:0874890.0127    10161207107.5163.40180


2011-015
PSLV-G (PSLV C-16)
Satish Dhawan Space Centre
2011 Apr 20, 04:42
Resourcesat 2
2011-015A
37387
in space
Indian satellite with a five year design life for crop forecasting and military reconnaissance. The satellite also carries COMDEV, a joint Indian/Canadian receiver for AIS (Automatic Information System) transmissions, used by shipping to pass position and status information.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2011 Apr 25, 10:4172010.0003    820824101.3598.7827810:17
2023 Feb 13, 11:0771980.0005    816824101.2998.649510:16
Youthsat (IMS-1A)
2011-015B
37388
in space
Developed by students of Russian and Indian universities to study the relationship between solar variability and thermosphere-lonosphere changes. The satellite has a two-year life and carries two Indian and one Russian payloads.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2011 Apr 20, 09:0471910.0012    804821101.1498.7930210:17
2023 Feb 13, 00:2171880.0014    800820101.0998.3133006:49
X-Sat
2011-015C
37389
in space
Satellite developed by Nangyang Technological University of Singapore to take photographs aimed at measuring soil erosion and other environmental changes on Earth, and to prove the technology used.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2011 Apr 20, 20:5171810.0018    790816100.9398.6635310:17
2023 Feb 13, 12:1671880.0014    800820101.0998.3133007:07


2011-016
Ariane 5ECA (VA-201)
Centre Spatiale Guyanaise
2011 Apr 22, 21:37
Intelsat 28, New Dawn
2011-016A
37392
in space
Commercial comsat providing voice, wireless network, Internet and media applications services to Africa. It is intended to operate for 15 years. Part of a dual launch and the second satellite to be released from the launch vehicle (at L+ 35 min 03 sec) so, technically, it should have been designated as the 'B' object. Announced geosynchronous location - 32°.8 east longitude

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2011 Apr 23, 14:00244190.7283    25535827632.946.11178
2011 Apr 26, 11:19332800.2663    18041357631007.022.20179
2011 Apr 28, 07:15373520.1294    26139358081197.360.61178
2011 May 4, 16:53421640.0003    35774357981436.050.056823°.2 E
2011 Jun 6, 16:48421650.0001    35783357891436.090.0423532°.9 E
2023 Feb 12, 13:09421640.0000    35785357871436.070.0215432°.8 E
Yahsat 1A
2011-016B
37393
in space
United Arab Emirates satellite for use by government and commercial customers in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Southwest Asia. Design life 15 years. Part of a dual launch and was the first to be released from the launch vehicle (at L+ 27 min 27 sec) so, technically, it should have been designated as the 'A' object. Announced geosynchronous location - 52°.5 east longitude.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2011 Apr 24, 00:26243960.7280    25735779632.036.00179
2011 May 2, 23:36420510.0030    35549357971430.310.0522350°.1 E
2011 May 7, 23:57421640.0002    35776357951436.050.0422152°.5 E
2023 Feb 12, 07:41421650.0002    35777357961436.100.0221352°.5 E


2011-017
Soyuz-U 11A511U
Baikonur Cosmodrome
2011 Apr 27, 13:05
Progress M-10M (Progress 7K-TGM №410)
2011-017A
37396
Re-entered - 2011 Oct 29
Life 185 days
Cargo vehicle carrying supplies to the ISS. Docked with the Pirs module Apr 29 at 14:28:44 UTC. Undocked 2011 Oct 29 at 09:04 UTC. Retro-fire at 12:11 UTC led to a destructive re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere over the southern Pacific Ocean. Any unburnt fragments hit the ocean surface at about 13:01 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Apr 27, 20:4666240.0027    22826489.4351.64158
2011 Apr 30, 12:5267250.0003    34534891.4751.65168


2011-018
Soyuz-2.1a + Fregat
Plesetsk Cosmodrome
2011 May 4, 17:41
Meridian 4 (Meridian № 14L)
2011-018A
37398
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 )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 May 5, 02:48267320.7249    97639731724.9462.79285
2011 May 24, 04:37265560.7237    96039395717.8062.82285


2011-019
Atlas V 401, AV-022
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
2011 May 7, 18:10
USA 230 (SBIRS GEO 1)
2011-019A
37481
in space
Missile launch detection satellite for the Space-Based Infra Red System with a combination of scanning and staring sensors. The scanning sensor is designed to provide a wide area view in search of missile launches, satellite re-entries and natural terrestrial events, while the staring sensor is designed to observe areas of particular interest with enhanced sensitivity. Two other SBIRS payloads are aboard satellites in Molniya-type HEO with apogees above the northern hemisphere (USA 184 and USA 200). The initial transfer orbit shown below is for the launch vehicle at the time of separation. Later parameters are based on amateur observation and, from 2015, are based on Space-Track data.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2011 May 7, 20:59243650.7317    16035815630.8421.64178
2011 Jun 4, 10:56421650.0001    35782357931436.126.4814496°.7 W
2011 Oct 7, 08:47422420.0002    35855358741440.066.29233
2012 Jan 1, 00:00422350.0002    35850358631439.686.17288172°.0 E
2015 Jun 17, 21:09421650.0001    35782357921436.124.6214294°.0 E
2023 Feb 13, 09:58421650.0002    35778357951436.092.1728165°.7 E


2011-020
Space Shuttle Endeavour, OV-105
Kennedy Space Center
2011 May 16, 12:56
STS-134
2011-020A
37577
Re-entered - 2011 Jun 1
Life 16 days Returned to Earth
ISS mission to deliver the Express Logistics Carrier-3, Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS), a high-pressure gas tank and additional spare parts for the Dextre robotic helper. Crew consisted of Mark Kelly (Commander), Greg Johnson (Pilot), Mike Fincke, Roberto Vittori, Drew Feustel and Greg Chamitoff (Flight Engineers). Mission slipped from 2010 November and was potponed Apr 29 because of an electrical short circuit. Docked with the forward port of the Harmony node May 18 at 10:14 UTC. Undocked May 30 at 03:55:28 UTC. Retro-fire was Jun 1 at 05:29 UTC leading to a landing on the KSC runway with wheel stop at 06:35:36 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 May 16, 19:2867050.0013    31833591.0751.64279
2011 May 17, 22:4767120.0017    32234591.2051.64257
2011 May 19, 12:2667220.0004    34234691.4251.65293


2011-021
Proton-M + Briz-M
Baikonur Cosmodrome
2011 May 20, 19:15
Telstar 14R (Estrela do Sul 2)
2011-021A
37602
in space
Comsat owned by Telesat of Canada, offering international services, replacing Telstar 14/Estrela do Sul that suffered a problem when one of its two solar arrays failed to deploy fully. 2011 May 25 -Telesat announced that Telstar 14R had suffered a similar problem, and would also be limited in capacity as a result of the reduced power availablity. Expected location - 63° west longitude.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2011 May 21, 11:20171710.6085    34421242373.2149.37356
2011 Jun 16, 09:44421640.0001    35781357921436.070.0217564°.7 W
2023 Feb 13, 09:21421660.0003    35776357991436.140.0223563°.0 W


2011-022
Ariane 5ECA (VA-202)
Centre Spatiale Guyanaise
2011 May 20, 20:38
Insat 4G (GSat 8)
2011-022A
37605
in space
Carries 18 Ku band transponders and a GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) payload - a system to improve the accuracy of a navigation receivers by providing additional reference signals. The satellite has a mission life of 12 years. Launch delayed 24 hours for checks of the Ariane 5 launcher. Announced geosynchronous location - 55° east longitude

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2011 May 21, 12:58243890.7284    24535776631.752.47178
2011 May 26, 16:32420300.0027    35540357641429.230.077349°.0 E
2011 Jun 7, 13:43421650.0002    35779357951436.120.1019755°.1 E
2023 Feb 13, 04:45421640.0007    35756358171436.070.0435655°.1 E
ST-2 (SingTel 2)
2011-022B
37606
in space
Satellite providing fixed and mobile services, along with IP-based voice and data services for businesses, particularly for operators offering direct-to-home services, and shipping companies in Asia and the Middle East. Launch delayed 24 hours for checks of the Ariane 5 launcher. Announced geosynchronous location - 88° east longitude.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2011 May 21, 16:55243710.7287    23435752631.072.50178
2011 May 23, 09:50286400.4726    872635799803.950.88178
2011 Jun 2, 20:10421650.0011    35741358331436.100.0310186°.0 E
2011 Jul 8, 19:57421630.0001    35780357891435.990.016388°.0 E
2023 Feb 13, 11:47421650.0002    35778357941436.080.0220788°.0 E


2011-023
Soyuz-FG 11A511U-FG
Baikonur Cosmodrome
2011 Jun 7, 20:12
Soyuz TMA-02M (Soyuz 11F732A47 № 702)
2011-023A
37633
Re-entered - 2011 Nov 22
Life 168 days Returned to Earth
Crew to ISS - Sergei Volkov (Soyuz Commander) , Michael Fossum (Commander, Expedition 29), Satoshi Furukawa (JAXA - Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency). First test flight of Soyuz TMA-M (The initial Soyuz TMA-M mission was a qualification flight). It was originally planned for May 30 but delayed while analysis of the Soyuz TMA-01M mission was completed. Docked at the Rassvet port Jun 9 at 21:17:52 UTC. Approach and docking was automatic, with Soyuz compensating for a slight loss in performance from one of the rear-mounted thrusters. Undocked Nov 21 at 23:00:17 UTC, retro-fire for 256s beginning Nov 22 at 01:32:20 with touchdown at 02:26 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Jun 8, 02:2065770.0012    19220788.4851.73199
2011 Jun 8, 05:2766460.0032    24729089.8851.6448
2011 Jun 10, 11:4167240.0001    34534791.4551.64330


2011-024
Delta 2 7320
Vandenberg Air Force Base
2011 Jun 10, 14:20
SAC-D (Satellite de Aplicaciones Cientifico)
2011-024A
37673
in space
Satellite built by the space agency of Argentina (Comisión Nacional de Actividades Espaciales, or CONAE). Eight instruments are collecting environmental data for a range of applications, including studies of natural hazards, air quality, land processes and epidemiology. One of the sensors is NASA's Aquarius instrument cluster, designed to operate for three of SAC-D's planned five-year life span. Postponed 24 hrs to check out a launch vehicle software error.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2011 Jun 12, 19:3270330.0002    65365697.8298.0111806:00
2023 Feb 13, 08:3870270.0002    64765097.7098.008406:06


2011-025
Safir 1
Ayatollah Khomeini Space Centre, Iran
2011 Jun 15, 09:15
Rasad 1 (Observation 1)
2011-025A
37675
Re-entered - 2011 Jul 6
Life 21 days
15.3 kg microsatellite reportedly for Earth imaging with 200m resolution but imagery results not published. Equipped with gravity-gradient stabilisation boom. The launch time is an estimate ±1 minute. Indications were initially that Rasad might be launched as a dual payload with the larger, 50 kg, Fajr 1 satellite. Iran indicated testing delays with Fajr 1 so the dual launch may have been taken off the schedule.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Jun 15, 19:1466450.0035    24429189.8555.6881


2011-026
CZ 3B/E
Xichang Space Centre
2011 Jun 20, 16:13
Zhongxing 10 (Chinasat 10)
2011-026A
37677
in space
Chinese communications satellite. Separated from the launch vehicle 29 minutes after lift-off. From Jun 30 to Jun 31 it was stationed near 103° east longitude, probably for testing, before moving to its operational location at 110°.5 east.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2011 Jun 20, 22:59275410.7613    19742129758.1026.31180
2011 Jun 30, 22:31421640.0003    35775357971436.050.17267103°.5 E
2011 Aug 9, 18:49421630.0003    35774357961436.020.08313110°.4 E
2023 Feb 12, 17:15421660.0002    35778357981436.160.04299110°.5 E


2011-027
Soyuz-U 11A511U
Baikonur Cosmodrome
2011 Jun 21, 14:38
Progress M-11M (Progress 7K-TGM №411)
2011-027A
37679
Re-entered - 2011 Sep 1
Life 72 days
Supplies to ISS. Docked with the aft port of Zvezda Jun 23 at 16:37:03 UTC. Undocked Aug 23 at 09:37:32 UTC followed by 9 days of Radar Progress experiments. Retro-fire Sep 1 at 9:34:31 UTC led to a destructive re-entry above the southern Pacific Ocean with any remaining fragments hitting the Ocean surface at 10:21:41 UTC near co-ordinates 40° 8' south, 135° 2' west.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Jun 21, 15:5565810.0023    18821888.5651.6383
2011 Jun 22, 02:4066810.0029    28432390.5951.64180
2011 Jun 24, 13:3567600.0011    37438992.1851.64284


2011-028
Soyuz-U 11A511U
Plesetsk Cosmodrome
2011 Jun 27, 16:00
Cosmos 2472 (Yantar 4K2M 11Ф695M, Kobalt-M)
2011-028A
37726
Re-entered - 2011 Oct 24
Life 119 days Returned to Earth
Military imaging reconnaissance satellite, sometimes referred to as 'Yantar', with manoeuvring engine to maintain its orbit. At 19:17 UTC. After two complete circuits of the Earth, the satellite came under the control of a dedicated ground station network. The long wait may indicate difficulties in establishing communication. Descent vehicle re-entered and landed 2011 Oct 24 at around 20:00 UTC. Dropped off two containers of exposed film at different points during the mission.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Jun 27, 20:3865960.0049    18625088.8581.3987
2011 Jun 29, 18:3066560.0091    21733990.0781.3996


2011-029
Minotaur I
Wallops Flight Facility
2011 Jun 30, 03:09
USA 231 (ORS-1)
2011-029A
37728
Re-entered - 2018 Mar 12
Life 2447 days
450 kg satellite fitted with new electro-optical and infrared reconnaissance sensors designed to supplement data obtained by unmanned aerial systems and high-altitude aircraft operating in Iraq and Afghanistan. The sensors are based on those being demonstrated by TacSat-3 (2009-028A/35001 launched 2009 May 19). One of the imaging devices is derived from the unit designed for use for the U-2 high altitude reconnaissance aeroplane. ORS-1 stands for "Operational Responsive Space-1". Orbital elements not released by Spacetrack so parameters are based on amateur observation.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Aug 18, 04:4367800.0007    39740792.6040.00221


2011-030
CZ 2C
Jiuquan Space Centre
2011 Jul 6, 04:28
Shijian 11-03 (Practice 11-03)
2011-030A
37730
in space
Reported as an "experimental satellite". Orbit details, taken together with an image showing it as 3-axis stabilised and having downward-facing sensors, indicates that the payload has an Earth observation rôle. Launch was out of sequence indicating there may have been a delay in preparations for SJ-11-02 that eventually went into orbit Jul 29.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2011 Jul 6, 08:5070750.0010    69070498.7198.2325410:44
2023 Feb 13, 10:4270670.0007    68469498.5597.8129505:47


2011-031
Space Shuttle Atlantis, OV-104
Kennedy Space Center
2011 Jul 8, 15:29
STS-135
2011-031A
37736
Re-entered - 2011 Jul 21
Life 13 days Returned to Earth
ISS supply mission, including the Raffaello MLPM to carry equipment and consumables. Final shuttle mission to the ISS. Launched delayed by 138 seconds when the timer stopped at T-31 seconds while proper retraction of a swing arm on the launch tower was checked after a sensor failed. Crew consisted of Christopher Ferguson (commander), Douglas Hurley (pilot), Rex Walheim (mission specialist) and Sandra Magnus (mission specialist). Docked with the ISS Harmony node Jul 10 at 15:07:24 UTC. Undocked Jul 19 at 06:28 UTC. Retro-fire Jul 21 at 08:49:04 UTC was followed by landing on the KSC runway with wheel stop at 09:57:54 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Jul 8, 18:4165710.0056    15623088.3551.64343
2011 Jul 9, 16:5966510.0079    22132589.9751.64225
2011 Jul 11, 17:5767660.0010    38139592.3251.64314
PSSC-2 (Pico-Satellite Solar Cell 2)
2011-031B
37752
Re-entered - 2011 Dec 8
Life 153 days
Small USAF three-axis stabilised satellite carrying an electronic camera, the Miniature Tracking Vehicle (MTV) experiment to see how it functions as a tracking target, and the Compact Total Electron Content Sensor (CTECS) that will observe signals from Global Positioning System satellites as they are occulted by the ionosphere. It is also a testbed to gather data on the behaviour of new types of solar cell while in space. It carries a set of small thrusters for obit adjustment. PSSC-2 was ejected by a spring mechanism from the Shuttle Atlantis payload bay 2011 Jul 20 at 07:49 UTC, shortly before Atlantis closed up to return to Earth.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Jul 20, 16:4367520.0012    36538292.0251.64308


2011-032
CZ 3C
Xichang Space Centre
2011 Jul 11, 15:41
Tianlian 1-02
2011-032A
37737
in space
Data communications satellite to work alongside Tianlian 1-01 (2008-019A/32779) to provide a data relay, and measurement and control service for Chinese satellites and space stations. An early task was to support the launch and docking of Tiangong 1 and Shenzhou 8 later in 2011. Was approached early 2023 by Shijian 23 (55131, 2023-002A), possibly with a view extending its life but no link up occurred. Moved to graveyard orbit 2023 November 3.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2011 Jul 12, 06:24275680.7617    19142189759.2318.03180
2011 Jul 19, 16:31421660.0003    35776357991436.141.07112176°.8 E
2012 Mar 26, 09:51421650.0004    35772358021436.130.5098176°.8 E
2023 Feb 13, 15:13421640.0078    35456361161436.062.890167°.1 E
2023 Nov 3, 00:42421640.0080    35451361211436.072.847167°.1 E
2023 Nov 3, 18:38425160.0004    36119361561454.083.10209


2011-033
Soyuz-2.1a + Fregat
Baikonur Cosmodrome
2011 Jul 13, 02:27
Globalstar-2 M083
2011-033A
37739
in space
Part of constellation of satellites providing on-demand telephone and low-speed data communications. Launched as part of a set of six satellites. Operational orbit will be circular at 1400 kilometers.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Jul 21, 01:3473040.0009    920932103.5452.00310
Globalstar-2 M088
2011-033B
37740
in space
Part of constellation of satellites providing on-demand telephone and low-speed data communications. Launched as part of a set of six satellites. Manoeuvred to 1400 km operational orbit 2011 mid-July.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Jul 21, 17:0573840.0015    9951017105.2551.99249
2011 Jul 31, 18:1077920.0001    14131414114.0851.9782
Globalstar-2 M091
2011-033C
37741
in space
Part of constellation of satellites providing on-demand telephone and low-speed data communications. Launched as part of a set of six satellites. Operational orbit will be circular at 1400 kilometers.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Jul 21, 08:2773040.0009    919932103.5352.00310
Globalstar-2 M085
2011-033D
37742
in space
Part of constellation of satellites providing on-demand telephone and low-speed data communications. Launched as part of a set of six satellites. Operational orbit will be circular at 1400 kilometers.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Jul 21, 10:0773020.0010    916932103.5052.00298
Globalstar-2 M081
2011-033E
37743
in space
Part of constellation of satellites providing on-demand telephone and low-speed data communications. Launched as part of a set of six satellites. Operational orbit will be circular at 1400 kilometers.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Jul 21, 08:2473030.0009    918931103.5152.00298
Globalstar-2 M089
2011-033F
37744
in space
Part of constellation of satellites providing on-demand telephone and low-speed data communications. Launched as part of a set of six satellites. Operational orbit will be circular at 1400 kilometers.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Jul 21, 17:0173020.0011    916932103.5052.00301


2011-034
PSLV-XL (PSLV C-17)
Satish Dhawan Space Centre
2011 Jul 15, 11:18
GSat 12
2011-034A
37746
in space
Replacement for INSAT-3B (launched 2000), with an expected life of 7 years. As well as providing standard communications transponders, it provides service to Very Small Aperture Terminals used to transmit data such as point of sale transactions or to provide satellite internet access. Planned geosynchronous location - 83° east longitude, co-located with Insat-2E and Insat-4A.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2011 Jul 16, 21:47171900.6129    27621347373.8317.83181
2011 Jul 30, 19:17420800.0004    35685357181431.750.1632278°.7 E
2011 Aug 13, 23:12421650.0007    35758358151436.080.1320683°.0 E
2023 Feb 12, 18:23421650.0007    35756358181436.111.9934247°.9 E


2011-035
Proton-M + Briz-M
Baikonur Cosmodrome
2011 Jul 15, 23:16
SES 3
2011-035A
37748
in space
Broadcasting satellitefor the US mainland. Announced geosynchronous location - 103° west longitude.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2011 Jul 17, 13:47260840.6143    368335729698.7624.670
2011 Jul 18, 22:21339200.2422    19325357591036.215.330
2011 Jul 27, 08:01420970.0015    35655357831432.640.075278°.1 W
2011 Aug 1, 09:43421650.0000    35786357881436.100.0522977°.2 W
2011 Sep 24, 02:00421650.0003    35775357981436.090.017198°.8 W
2023 Feb 13, 01:57421650.0002    35776357971436.090.0315103°.0 W
Kazsat 2
2011-035B
37749
in space
Broadcasting and communications satellite for Kazakhstan as a replacement for Kazsat 1 that failed in 2008 after two years of operation. Testing completed and handed over from the manufacturer, Khrunichev, to Kazakhstan 2011 Nov 29. Announced geosynchronous location - 86°.5 east longitude.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2011 Jul 17, 13:48260890.6140    369235729698.9324.680
2011 Aug 1, 17:53421370.0040    35589359291434.680.1219382°.5 E
2011 Aug 26, 04:35421640.0001    35781357921436.080.0318486°.5 E
2023 Feb 12, 19:17421650.0000    35785357891436.120.024686°.5 E


2011-036
Delta 4 Medium+ 4,2
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
2011 Jul 16, 16:41
USA 232 (Navstar GPS IIF-02)
2011-036A
37753
in space
Second Block 2F, Generation 2 GPS Navsat.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Jul 16, 22:01275170.0246    2046321815757.1354.7933
2011 Jul 26, 12:28268360.0002    2045220464729.1955.03200
2011 Aug 28, 05:54265600.0001    2018020184717.9755.02182


2011-037
Zenit-2SB (Zenit-2 + Fregat-SB)
Baikonur Cosmodrome
2011 Jul 18, 02:31
RadioAstron (Spektr-R)
2011-037A
37755
in space
Astrophysics research satellite to study solar wind, the interplanetary magnetic field, black holes and neutron stars. It carries a 10m diameter radio telescope for interferometry work with ground-based instruments. The research programme involves 20 countries and is expected to last for ten years.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Jul 18, 06:061732650.9572    104533272811962.6051.60278
2011 Aug 12, 21:361767350.9371    474033597412323.7756.83309
2023 Feb 8, 07:491897560.7751    3630433045013710.4339.48190


2011-038
CZ 3A
Xichang Space Centre
2011 Jul 26, 21:44
Beidou 9 (Beidou-2 IGEO-4)
2011-038A
37763
in space
Fully-functional satellite in China's pre-operational navigation satellite system. It also provide time and messaging services for the Asia-Pacific region from a 55° inclined geosynchronous orbit crossing the equator near 93° east longitude, parked as an on-orbit spare 25 degrees to the west of the main inclined group of Beidou 2-05 (2010-036A/36828), Beidou 2-07 (2010-068A 37256) and Beidou 2-08 (2011-013A/37384) . Launch was about 20 minutes later than expected, indicating a possible unplanned hold in the countdown.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2011 Jul 29, 08:18243600.7298    20435759630.6355.12175
2011 Aug 6, 19:21421630.0020    35699358711436.0255.2118893°.1 E
2016 Mar 29, 21:56421590.0038    35620359431435.8354.5520793°.4 E
2023 Feb 12, 20:02421640.0104    35348362251436.0754.4922895°.5 E


2011-039
CZ 2C
Jiuquan Space Centre
2011 Jul 29, 07:42
Shijian 11-02 (Practice 11-02)
2011-039A
37765
in space
Reported as an "experimental satellite". The orbit, and images of one of its predecessors, indicate that it has an Earth observation rôle. Launch was out of sequence (SJ-11-03 later went into orbit Jul 7) indicating that there may have been a delay in completion of manufacturing or testing.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2011 Aug 13, 02:4270750.0012    68870698.7198.1120513:58
2023 Feb 13, 08:5370650.0012    67869598.4998.4210820:05


2011-I01
Manual release during EVA
International Space Station
2011 Aug 3, 18:43
Kedr (Radioskaf-B/Suitsat 2)
1998-067CK
37772
Re-entered - 2012 Jan 4
Life 154 days
Originally planned for release during ISS space walk Feb 16 but postponed. Intended to be released into independent orbit 2011 Aug 3 around 15:00 UTC at the beginning the EVA but it was delayed while a broken aerial was investigated. Kedr transmitted 25 messages of greeting in 15 languages, Earth photos, and scientific equipment and telemetry information from its onboard atmospheric pressure sensor. It used radio amateur frequencies and call sign "RS1S".

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Aug 4, 18:0267640.0013    37739592.2851.6444


2011-040
Atlas V 551, AV-029
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
2011 Aug 5, 16:25
Juno
2011-040A
37773
in space
NASA mission to Jupiter to study the magnetic and gravitational fields, the magnetosphere in polar regions, and the atmosphere - looking in particular for water. It will be the first solar-powered spacecraft designed to operate at such a distance from the Sun. Jupiter encounter in 2016 July.
Heliocentric orbit


2011-041
Ariane 5ECA (VA-203)
Centre Spatiale Guyanaise
2011 Aug 6, 22:52
Astra 1N
2011-041A
37775
in space
European direct-to-home broadcast services, including digital and HDTV. It was released into orbit just over 27 minutes after lift off. After checkout, geosynchronous location will be 28°.2 east longitude from where it will provide an interim capacity for SES ASTRA. Later it will be moved to the ASTRA prime location at 19°.2 east.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2011 Aug 7, 15:06243740.7274    26635725631.171.98179
2011 Aug 11, 04:16368500.1463    25080358651173.340.10167
2011 Aug 14, 15:43420600.0023    35584357801430.750.11340°.4 W
2011 Sep 25, 02:37421050.0001    35723357301433.020.051439°.3 E
2011 Oct 23, 16:18421640.0003    35773357991436.080.031628°.2 E
2023 Feb 13, 05:02421650.0005    35767358061436.100.0533019°.2 E
BSAT-3c/JCSat-110R
2011-041B
37776
in space
Japanese broadcasting satellite owned jointly by two broadcasters - BSat and SkyPerfect JCSat. It was released into orbit 38 minutes after launch. Expected geosynchronous location - 110° east longitude.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2011 Aug 8, 12:00243660.7274    26435712630.881.97180
2011 Aug 23, 19:18421640.0000    35784357881436.080.04359110°.0 E
2023 Feb 12, 13:29421640.0000    35786357861436.070.06128109°.9 E


2011-042
CZ 3B
Xichang Space Centre
2011 Aug 11, 16:15
Paksat 1R
2011-042A
37779
in space
Pakistani communications satellite to replace PakSat 1 which was on short- term lease from Hughes. The CZ/Long March launch vehicle completed its mission when Paksat was released into independent orbit after 26 minutes. Expected geosynchronous location - 38° east longitude.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2011 Aug 20, 19:10261540.7512    12939422701.5525.19186
2011 Aug 27, 23:30422100.0003    35819358451438.420.1711945°.9 E
2011 Sep 13, 02:00421650.0005    35766358081436.120.1334337°.8 E
2023 Feb 13, 01:13421650.0003    35775357991436.110.0135038°.0 E


2011-043
CZ 4B
Taiyuan Space Centre
2011 Aug 15, 22:57
Haiyang 2-01 (Ocean 2-01)
2011-043A
37781
in space
Oceanographic satellite equipped with a microwave radiometer, a radar altimeter and a radar scatterometer to monitor ocean conditions. Launch delayed one day due to weather.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2011 Aug 16, 05:0671490.0198    630912100.2799.472006:00
2011 Aug 17, 08:4872890.0007    906916103.2299.3621906:00
2023 Feb 13, 10:3073460.0000    968969104.4499.324105:51


2011-044
Dnepr
Dombarovsky (Yasny) Cosmodrome
2011 Aug 17, 07:12
EduSat
2011-044A
37788
in space
Italian satellite aimed at promoting space education among high school students and to support the qualification and scientific careers of young people, the satellite will take measurements of the Earth magnetic field, detect cosmic particles, and measure the Solar constant. Technology goals include the study of deorbiting systems, behaviour of solar cells in orbit, and validation of an S-band transponder. Part of a multiple payload launch.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2011 Aug 19, 11:0270470.0040    64169798.1298.2634310:30
2023 Feb 13, 01:3970330.0038    62868297.8398.423919:07
NigeriaSat 2
2011-044B
37789
in space
Objective is to provide high resolution maps of Nigeria every four months, monthly monitoring of Nigerian crops for food supply security, and supporting the development of the Nigerian national Geographical Information System (GIS) by providing high quality geospatial data. It took over from Nigeriasat-1 - launched 2003 Sep 27. Part of a multiple payload launch.


epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2011 Aug 19, 03:1470890.0025    69372899.0098.2620810:30
2023 Feb 13, 10:5370630.0011    67769398.4697.80806:22
NigeriaSat-X
2011-044C
37790
in space
Member of the Disaster Monitoring Constellation (DMC), it will assist with disaster relief and global environmental monitoring campaigns alongside satellites from other consortium members ASAL (Algeria), BLMIT (China), Deimos Space (Spain), and SSTL (UK). Part of a multiple payload launch.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2011 Aug 19, 11:0770550.0029    65769798.2998.2633610:30
2023 Feb 13, 08:3070750.0012    68970598.7097.8621007:44
Rasat
2011-044D
37791
in space
Observation satellite designed and produced by Turkish engineers, was built to demonstrate Turkey's ability to construct a satellite. Part of a multiple payload launch.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2011 Aug 19, 11:1170610.0021    66869898.4198.2632710:30
2023 Feb 13, 10:5070540.0023    66069298.2798.099011:41
AprizeSat 5
2011-044E
37792
in space
Small satellite for data collection from small fixed and mobile ground stations. Part of a multiple payload launch.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Aug 19, 10:5270320.0061    61169797.8198.27349
2023 Feb 13, 10:4570200.0056    60268197.5598.29317
AprizeSat 6
2011-044F
37793
in space
Small satellite for data collection from small fixed and mobile ground stations. Part of a multiple payload launch.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Aug 19, 10:5870410.0049    62869797.9998.26346
2023 Feb 13, 08:3970290.0047    61868497.7598.3714
Sich 2
2011-044G
37794
in space
Primary payload of the mission. Ukrainian designed and built remote sensing satellite in sun-synchronous orbit. Part of a multiple payload launch.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2011 Aug 19, 03:0570720.0012    68570298.6498.2628110:30
2023 Feb 13, 07:5370630.0014    67569598.4797.828007:17
Dnepr upper stage (BPA-2)
2011-044H
37795
in space
Final stage rocket from multiple satellite launch. It carries BPA-2, a block of Ukrainian experimental avionic equipment to test navigation equipment for civil aircraft and satellites.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Aug 19, 12:5373720.0410    6911296104.9898.22184


2011-045
Proton-M + Briz-M
Baikonur Cosmodrome
2011 Aug 17, 21:25
Express-AM4
2011-045A
37798
Re-entered - 2012 Mar 25
Life 221 days
Russian domestic Ku-band communications satellite to replace the service lost due to the failure of the earlier Express AM-2. Injected into wrong orbit through due to a computing malfunction in the launch vehicle. Intended to be stationed in geosynchronous orbit at 80° east longitude. De-orbited - any unburnt fragments fell near 40° north, 175° west 2011 Mar 25 13:32 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Aug 20, 02:10170370.5668    100320315368.8651.3224
2012 Mar 20, 00:04168770.5831    65820339363.6551.11100


2011-F02 - failed to reach orbit
CZ 2C
Jiuquan Space Centre
2011 Aug 18, 09:28
Shijian 11-04 (Practice 11-04)
Reported as an "experimental satellite". The orbits of its predecessors suggests that the payload has an Earth observation rôle. Sun-synchronous orbit would have had its descending node around 15:50 local time. Destroyed when the launch vehicle second stage failed to ignite. Launch was already delayed by one day but reason not given. Replaced by Shijian 11-05, launched 2013 July 15.


2011-F03 - failed to reach orbit
Soyuz-U 11A511U
Baikonur Cosmodrome
2011 Aug 24, 13:00
Progress M-12M (Progress 7K-TGM №412)
Supplies to ISS. Soyuz-U upper stage control system detected a problem at T+325 seconds, about 30 seconds after ignition and ordered the engine to shut down. The spacecraft fell from 200 km altitude in the Gorny Altai region of southern Siberia and may have been destroyed on re-entry into the atmosphere.The finding of the investigation was failure of a gas generator, part of the engine.


2011-046
Delta 4 Heavy
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
2011 Sep 10, 13:08
Ebb (GRAIL-A)
2011-046A
37801
Re-entered - 2012 Dec 17
Life 464 days
One of a pair of near-identical spacecraft that comprise the lunar Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory. The aim is to measure minor differences between lunar gravity's effects on the two satellites as they orbit the Moon. Results will help determine the structure of the lunar interior from crust to core, and advance understanding of the thermal evolution of the moon. Lunar arrival was 2012 Jan 1. Named by children of the Emily Dickinson Elementary School in Bozeman, Montana.
Flow (GRAIL-B)
2011-046B
37802
Re-entered - 2012 Dec 17
Life 464 days
One of a pair of near-identical spacecraft that comprise the lunar Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory. The aim is to measure minor differences between lunar gravity's effects on the two satellites as they orbit the Moon. Results will help determine the structure of the lunar interior from crust to core, and advance understanding of the thermal evolution of the moon. Lunar arrival was 2012 Jan 2. Named by children of the Emily Dickinson Elementary School in Bozeman, Montana.


2011-047
CZ 3B
Xichang Space Centre
2011 Sep 18, 16:33
Zhongxing 1A (Chinasat 1A)
2011-047A
37804
in space
Communications satellite described as carrying high-quality voice, data and radio and TV transmissions. Probably for government/military services. Precise launch time: 16:33:04 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2011 Sep 18, 20:38243860.7307    19035826631.6527.11180
2011 Sep 28, 15:08421650.0001    35782357921436.110.57137129°.9 E
2023 Feb 13, 09:56422270.0004    35833358641439.250.5625860°.8 E


2011-048
Proton-M + Briz-M
Baikonur Cosmodrome
2011 Sep 20, 22:47
Cosmos 2473 (Garpun №1)
2011-048A
37806
in space
Russian military digital communications satellite. Its purpose is to carry data between military satellites in LEO and ground receiving stations. Garpun replaces the older Potok series of satellites. It was released into transfer orbit from the Briz-M, after the latter had completed its mission, Sep 21 at 07:48 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2011 Sep 21, 13:10243730.7217    40435586631.1348.62360
2011 Sep 29, 17:12420210.0009    35605356801428.740.0834574°.0 E
2011 Oct 3, 19:33421160.0007    35709357661433.580.0827878°.7 E
2011 Oct 8, 16:49421640.0001    35781357921436.080.0924879°.8 E
2023 Feb 12, 19:02421640.0001    35780357911436.062.45103177°.4 W


2011-049
Ariane 5ECA (VA-204)
Centre Spatiale Guyanaise
2011 Sep 21, 21:38
SES 2
2011-049A
37809
in space
Communications satellite to serve the continental USA - owned by SES World Skies and replacing AMC 3 (launched 1997). It carries carries a secondary payload in the form of the Commercially Hosted Infrared Payload (CHIRP) experimental infrared imaging sensor belonging to the U.S. Air Force. Separated from the launch vehicle at 22:13 UTC. Expected location - 87° west longitude.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2011 Sep 21, 17:02243970.7276    26735771632.081.95177
2011 Sep 23, 21:45271970.5499    586535774743.961.13179
2011 Sep 25, 19:50336050.2541    18687357661021.780.38179
2011 Sep 27, 07:15389060.0835    29280357771272.890.19174
2011 Sep 29, 04:30421030.0013    35671357781432.920.1732679°.5 W
2011 Oct 6, 04:08421650.0002    35779357951436.100.049677°.2 W
2011 Nov 22, 04:27421650.0001    35783357911436.120.0234487°.0 W
2023 Feb 12, 12:35421660.0003    35774358011436.140.065787°.0 W
Arabsat 5C
2011-049B
37810
in space
Comsat for the Arab region. Separated from the launch vehicle at 22:05 UTC. Expected location - 20° east longitude.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2011 Sep 21, 16:57243780.7277    25935740631.331.84174
2011 Sep 29, 19:56422420.0013    35808359191440.030.07350
2011 Nov 23, 02:24422420.0003    35853358741440.030.06263
2023 Feb 13, 05:02421650.0003    35776357981436.100.0521920°.0 E


2011-050
H-IIA 202 (F-19)
Tanegashima Space Centre
2011 Sep 23, 04:36
IGS 6 (IGS Optical 4)
2011-050A
37813
in space
Information Gathering Satellite - Japanese government/military optical imaging reconnaissance satellite launched as a replacement for IGS 3 (IGS Optical 2) - 2006-037A/29393, which was nearing the end of its life. Precise time - 04:36:03 UTC, at the opening of a 14 minute window. Element sets are not released by Spacetrack so parameters are based on amateur observation.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2011 Sep 29, 22:3569680.0002    58859196.4797.6929113:30
2012 May 15, 23:1569650.0002    58658996.4297.7324913:30
2013 May 15, 23:5169650.0003    58558996.4297.7310913:29
2014 Jun 1, 00:4469650.0003    58558996.4297.7330713:28
2015 May 26, 00:3769650.0002    58658996.4297.7510913:27
2016 May 16, 00:0869650.0003    58558996.4297.7429013:28
2017 May 14, 00:2269650.0013    57859696.4297.7132713:20
2018 May 15, 01:0069650.0000    58758796.4297.7330013:14
2019 May 14, 23:4069650.0003    58558996.4197.7511713:14
2020 May 13, 23:0369650.0002    58558896.4097.8126113:21
2021 May 19, 02:3569640.0001    58558696.3997.824413:33
IGS 6/H-IIA Debris
2011-050C
37815
Re-entered - 2013 Jan 12
Life 477 days
Debris, probably from the launch vehicle but may be part of the satellite support or separation structure. Only one element set issued by Spacetrack, possibly inadvertently. Listed here for interest.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Oct 3, 20:4869540.0018    56458896.1997.63353
IGS 6/H-IIA Debris
2011-050D
37833
Re-entered - 2012 Nov 1
Life 405 days
Debris, probably from the launch vehicle but may be part of the satellite support or separation structure. Only one element set issued by Spacetrack, possibly inadvertently.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Oct 4, 06:3169560.0020    56459296.2397.65353


2011-051
Zenit-3SL
Sea Launch Platform 'Odyssey', Kiritmati
2011 Sep 24, 20:17
Eutelsat 7 West A (Atlantic Bird 7)
2011-051A
37816
in space
Eutelsat-owned digital broadcasting satellite to provide services to the Middle East and North Africa. Precise launch time 20:17:55 UTC, separated from the launch vehicle at 21:25:02. Expected location - 7°.2 west longitude.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2011 Sep 24, 21:17250000.6802    161735626655.630.06357
2011 Sep 26, 07:12281790.4897    800235599784.590.0213
2011 Sep 27, 14:31357760.1736    23189356081122.410.07344
2011 Sep 29, 11:59412870.0172    34201356171391.510.08342
2011 Oct 2, 15:21421100.0017    35659358041433.290.0515313°.3 W
2011 Oct 25, 07:26421650.0003    35772358011436.090.111557°.3 W
2023 Feb 13, 07:53421650.0003    35772358011436.100.062437°.3 W


2011-052
Minotaur IV+
Kodiak Launch Centre, Alaska
2011 Sep 27, 15:49
TacSat 4
2011-052A
37818
in space
Experimental military comsat managed by the US Naval Research Laboratory. Launched to bolster UHF (actually VHF) communications at high northerly latitudes. Part of the payload provides GPS tracking of battlefield units. Other experimental equipment may be reconnaissance-related. Separation from the launch vehicle was at 16:17 UTC. A thruster firing about 18:37 UTC raised its initial perigee from 185 km. Dish aerial deployed Oct 3 and successful tests carried out on all ten VHF/UHF radio channels.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Sep 27, 21:22124700.4612    34111843230.9863.49211
2011 Sep 28, 16:56126200.4434    64611837235.1563.63211
2011 Oct 3, 03:50127390.4476    65912064238.5063.63211
2011 Oct 5, 11:35127530.4411    74912001238.8863.63211
2011 Nov 15, 07:02127540.4416    74412009238.9263.58210


2011-053
CZ 2F/G
Jiuquan Space Centre
2011 Sep 29, 13:16
Tiangong 1
2011-053A
37820
Re-entered - 2018 Apr 2
Life 2377 days
Small laboratory, 8.5 tonnes mass (9 tonnes including propellant), for docking experiments during visits by the unpiloted Shenzhou 8 (2011 Oct 31 - Nov 17), Shenzhou 9 (2012 Jun 16-29) and Shenzhou 10, both piloted. Precise lift-off time 13:16:03 UTC at the opening of a fifteen minute launch window. Originally anticipated life was two years. Early 2016, mission control announced that it had lost communication with Tiangong 1 and that its orbit would decay naturally, leading to uncontrolled re-entry. Launch delayed several times from 2010 by design/construction issues and investigation of the 2011 Aug 18 CZ-2C launch vehicle failure.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Sep 29, 20:3966500.0110    19934589.9542.78132
2011 Sep 30, 19:1167230.0014    33535591.4442.7840
2011 Oct 5, 19:3867200.0010    33534991.3742.7881
2011 Oct 28, 05:3567130.0007    33033991.2242.79253
2011 Nov 15, 11:4567100.0005    32833591.1642.79359
2011 Nov 18, 14:1867510.0008    36837992.0142.79212
2012 Mar 23, 03:2367240.0012    33835491.4642.78342
2012 Mar 23, 17:3967370.0008    35336491.7142.78344
2012 May 26, 13:2367210.0009    33734991.3942.7878
2012 Jun 10, 18:5067110.0004    33033691.1942.78242
2012 Jun 11, 18:0167070.0011    32133691.1042.78235
2012 Jun 14, 01:4267060.0012    32033591.0842.78249
2012 Jun 14, 18:3667110.0007    32833891.2042.80181
2012 Jun 28, 04:5767090.0006    32733691.1642.78333
2012 Jun 28, 12:1567100.0002    33033391.1642.79269
2012 Jun 28, 13:4267230.0016    33435591.4342.78102
2012 Jun 29, 07:5567390.0008    35536691.7642.78315
2012 Jul 5, 16:5467380.0008    35436591.7442.78315
2012 Aug 30, 10:2367280.0008    34435691.5442.78357
2012 Sep 16, 04:2667350.0008    35136391.6842.78336
2012 Oct 15, 09:2267270.0005    34635391.5242.78197
2012 Oct 15, 17:2567370.0021    34537391.7342.78207
2012 Oct 16, 11:3367490.0005    36737491.9542.78233
2013 Feb 4, 04:1367260.0002    34734991.5042.7870
2013 Feb 4, 13:3567370.0016    34837091.7342.78227
2013 Feb 5, 05:5967440.0006    36236991.8642.77226
2013 May 21, 02:5767190.0004    33934491.3642.78157
2013 May 22, 00:2667150.0005    33334191.2742.78231
2013 Jun 5, 06:1767100.0005    32933691.1842.78299
2013 Jun 6, 05:0067090.0005    32733491.1542.78315
2013 Jun 9, 04:2067070.0007    32533491.1242.78300
2013 Jun 10, 03:0467130.0007    33034091.2342.78277
2013 Jun 25, 03:4667090.0005    32733491.1542.78333
2013 Jun 25, 11:4767220.0013    33535391.4242.7793
2013 Jun 26, 09:0067390.0007    35636691.7642.77278
2013 Sep 11, 08:0867240.0006    34235091.4642.78139
2013 Sep 11, 20:1167390.0009    35436791.7542.77319
2014 Feb 18, 05:1867170.0012    33134791.3142.78230
2014 Feb 18, 18:5567360.0041    33138691.7142.77242
2014 Feb 19, 17:4267590.0010    37438792.1642.78278
2014 Jul 16, 07:3667220.0014    33435391.4042.77209
2014 Jul 16, 22:4167340.0030    33637791.6742.77245
2014 Nov 25, 12:3867210.0009    33734991.4042.7719
2014 Nov 26, 03:4367460.0026    35038691.9042.78234
2014 Nov 26, 06:5567590.0017    36939292.1642.77187
2015 Apr 9, 02:1667200.0010    33534891.3642.77342
2015 Apr 9, 14:4367410.0042    33539191.8042.7726
2015 Apr 10, 23:0767710.0012    38540192.4242.77282
CZ 2F third stage
2011-053B
37821
Re-entered - 2011 Oct 12
Life 13 days
Launched Tiangong 1.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Sep 29, 17:2366410.0098    19832889.7742.78130


2011-054
Proton-M + Briz-M
Baikonur Cosmodrome
2011 Sep 29, 18:32
QuetzSat 1
2011-054A
37826
in space
Mexican-owned satellite operated jointly by SES Satellite Leasing of the UK and Grupo Medcom of Mexico to provide direct broadcasting services to Mexico and the US. Expected location - 77° west longitude.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2011 Sep 30, 22:05272420.5489    591035817745.7818.58360
2011 Oct 4, 04:56339400.2432    19309358151037.135.280
2011 Oct 4, 22:16410920.0250    33686357411381.620.495
2011 Oct 6, 06:06421380.0009    35723357971434.740.082368°.4 W
2011 Oct 12, 05:56421640.0003    35773357981436.050.074467°.1 W
2012 Oct 18, 12:00421640.0004    35769358031436.050.0118267°.0 W
2012 Oct 20, 05:57421210.0002    35735357501433.840.028666°.0 W
2012 Oct 29, 09:25421630.0003    35772357981436.010.0416461°.4 W
2012 Dec 13, 04:21422030.0001    35821358291438.040.1024662°.3 W
2013 Jan 12, 09:22421660.0002    35778357981436.160.04677°.1 W
2023 Feb 13, 02:52421650.0003    35776357981436.100.0226177°.0 W


2011-055
Soyuz-2.1b + Fregat
Plesetsk Cosmodrome
2011 Oct 2, 20:15
Cosmos 2474 (Uragan-M № 742)
2011-055A
37829
in space
GLONASS-M navigation satellite to replace one of the trio lost in the launch failure of 2010 Dec 5. Launch delayed from Aug 25 (22:50 UTC) due to the Aug 24 Soyuz launcher mishap. Further delayed from Sep 25 for technical reasons, then delayed 24 hrs from Oct 1 by high winds at 7-10 km altitude near the launch site. Its arrival on orbit made the GLONASS constellation complete for the first time since 1996.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Oct 2, 21:52255200.0006    1912619158676.2064.82209
2011 Oct 7, 16:10254410.0035    1897519151673.0664.80237
2011 Oct 9, 23:38254110.0047    1891419151671.8664.80235
2011 Oct 13, 18:47255060.0011    1910019156675.6764.81266
2011 Oct 18, 01:09255080.0010    1910419156675.7364.81268


2011-056
Zenit-3SLB (Zenit-2SB + DM-SL + Fregat-SB)
Baikonur Cosmodrome
2011 Oct 5, 21:00
Intelsat 18
2011-056A
37834
in space
Commercial launch of commercial comsat to serve French Polynesia, Eastern Australia and the United States with direct-to-home TV, VSat terminal services and high-speed trunked communication links. Will replace Intelsat 701(1993-066A/22871). Separated from launch vehicle Oct 7 at 03.34.29 UTC. Expected location - 180° longitude.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2011 Oct 6, 09:41270410.5594    553535791737.5719.50360
2011 Oct 9, 05:39301980.3957    1186935771870.4210.11359
2011 Oct 10, 10:45365090.1545    24489357731157.063.08360
2011 Oct 13, 15:20403760.0441    32218357781345.680.770
2011 Oct 20, 13:45421640.0002    35779357941436.080.02303176°.0 E
2011 Nov 14, 13:13421650.0002    35780357931436.090.0530180°.0 W
2023 Feb 12, 19:01421650.0002    35778357951436.100.031180°.0 E


2011-057
CZ 3B/E
Xichang Space Centre
2011 Oct 7, 08:21
Eutelsat 16A (Eutelsat W3C)
2011-057A
37836
in space
Launch to geosynchronous transfer orbit. Eutelsat W3C is to provide services to Central and Eastern Europe, the French-speaking Indian Ocean Islands, and provide data services to Africa. As of 2011 November it is intended to replace Eutelsat’s Eurobird 16, W2M and SESat 1 satellites. Separated from launch vehicle 08:36 UTC. Expected location - 16° east longitude. Designation subject to confirmation.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2011 Oct 8, 00:34243780.7304    19335806631.3226.09180
2011 Oct 8, 23:01265780.5870    459835802718.7114.59180
2011 Oct 10, 01:55307810.3702    1300735799895.746.55180
2011 Oct 13, 20:10420460.0019    35590357471430.040.0224912°.7 E
2011 Oct 28, 01:53421640.0002    35778357951436.080.063515°.4 E
2023 Feb 12, 19:57421650.0005    35765358091436.120.0732116°.0 E


2011-058
PSLV-CA (PSLV C-18)
Satish Dhawan Space Centre
2011 Oct 12, 05:31
Megha Tropiques
2011-058A
37838
Re-entered - 2023 Mar 7
Life 4164 days
Joint French Indian project, the name is derived from Megha, meaning "cloud" in Sanskrit and Tropiques meaning "tropics" in French. It is designed to study the atmospheric water cycle in the tropics, particularly the processes linked to tropical convection. One of the instruments is an Imaging Radiometer (Microwave Analysis and Detection of Rain and Atmospheric Structures - MADRAS). Also included is a microwave sounding instrument for the atmospheric water vapor (Sounder for Probing Vertical Profiles of Humidity SAPHIR) and a radiometer devoted to the measurement of outgoing radiative fluxes at the top of the atmosphere (Scanner for Radiation Budget - ScaRaB).

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Oct 13, 16:4072360.0013    849868102.1019.98357
2011 Nov 24, 19:2072390.0008    854866102.1519.98109
Jugnu
2011-058B
37839
in space
3U CubeSat developed by engineers at the Indian Institute Of Technology, Kanpur. Jugnu aims to evaluate a camera system for imaging the Earth in near IR-region, and to test image processing algorithms. It also aims to evaluate GPS systems for use in satellites, and to test MEMS, an intertial measurement unit for potential use in reconnaissance satellites.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Oct 13, 18:2072310.0019    839867101.9919.9619
Vesselsat 1
2011-058C
37840
in space
29 kg satellite manufactured by Luxspace and leased by Orbcomm to fill a gap left by a failure in its own constellation. Vesselsat carries two receivers for the AIS (Automatic Identification System) for ships.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Oct 14, 18:0872360.0014    848868102.0919.9613
SRMSat (Sri Ramaswamy Memorial Satellite)
2011-058D
37841
in space
Satellite to monitor pollution in the Earth's atmosphere by measuring carbon monoxide and water vapour levels using an infrared sensor with a grating spectrometer. Mass is 10.8 kg.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Oct 13, 18:2372370.0012    851868102.1219.98355
PSLV upper stage
2011-058E
37842
in space
Launched Megha Tropiques and supplementary payloads.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Oct 13, 16:2572010.0061    779867101.3619.7928


2011-059
Proton-M + Briz-M
Baikonur Cosmodrome
2011 Oct 19, 18:48
ViaSat 1
2011-059A
37843
in space
Commercial comsat to provide high-speed internet services for the US and Canada through Ka band links. Launch delayed from 2011 spring to provide time for repair and testing after the satellite was damaged while being moved during the original testing process. Precise launch time - 18:48:58 UTC, separated from the launch vehicle Oct 20 at 04:00:44 UTC. Expected location - 115° west longitude (arrived Nov 28). For the first 12 days, Spacetrack issued element sets as 59C/37845.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2011 Oct 20, 22:59254330.6577    232835783672.7730.400
2011 Oct 25, 06:30307640.3704    1299135781895.029.461
2011 Oct 27, 09:25368350.1448    25124357891172.582.851
2011 Oct 28, 16:22416450.0120    34766357671409.620.2014
2011 Oct 31, 09:32421220.0001    35741357461433.890.0477109°.5 W
2011 Nov 3, 16:47421650.0003    35776357981436.100.03248109°.2 W
2011 Nov 28, 15:20421780.0008    35767358321436.760.07358115°.2 W
2023 Feb 12, 22:46421650.0002    35779357951436.100.01182115°.1 W


2011-060
Soyuz ST-A + Fregat-MT (VS-01)
Centre Spatiale Guyanaise
2011 Oct 20, 10:34
Galileo 1 (Thijs, Galileo IOV-1 PFM)
2011-060A
37846
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 and GLONASS. First Soyuz launch from CSG. Separated from launch vehicle 14:20 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Oct 21, 04:49296530.0012    2324023310846.9654.68217
2011 Nov 23, 12:00296000.0001    2322023224844.7054.71316
Galileo 2 (Natalia, Galileo IOV-1 FM2)
2011-060B
37847
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 and GLONASS. First Soyuz launch from CSG. Separated from launch vehicle 14:20 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Oct 21, 04:50296470.0009    2324323294846.6954.66220
2011 Nov 23, 12:00296030.0001    2322123229844.8354.71246


2011-061
Delta 2
Vandenberg Air Force Base
2011 Oct 27, 09:48
Suomi NPP (Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership)
2011-061A
37849
in space
The former name, NPP, is an acronym of an acronym and stands for NPOESS (National Polar-Orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System) Preparatory Project. It is equipped with remote sensors to collect climate data over land oceans and the atmosphere. It represents a transition from separate programmes like Aqua and Aura to NPOESS to a dedicated climate monitoring series of satellites. Launch delayed two days because of repairs to the Delta's hydraulics.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2011 Oct 29, 15:5671960.0002    816819101.2598.7111801:25
2011 Nov 17, 12:2772050.0004    823830101.4398.6913501:25
2023 Feb 13, 11:1772050.0001    826828101.4498.767001:26
DICE 1 (Dynamic Ionosphere CubeSat Experiment)
2011-061B
37851
Re-entered - 2024 Aug 11
Life 4672 days
One of a simultaneously-launched pair of 1.5U CubeSats to measure plasma and electric fields in the ionosphere and gauge their effects on satellites in orbit.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Oct 29, 20:5670150.0254    45881597.45101.71289
DICE 2 (Dynamic Ionosphere CubeSat Experiment)
2011-061C
37852
Re-entered - 2024 May 11
Life 4580 days
Second of a simultaneously-launched pair of 1.5U CubeSats to measure plasma and electric fields in the ionosphere and gauge their effects on satellites in orbit.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Oct 30, 05:0470160.0256    45881797.47101.70288
RAX (Radio Aurora Explorer)
2011-061D
37853
Re-entered - 2024 Oct 6
Life 4728 days
3U CubeSat - University of Michigan student-built satellite to study energy flow in the ionosphere.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Oct 29, 20:5670150.0255    45881697.46101.70289
AubieSat
2011-061E
37854
Re-entered - 2024 Jun 1
Life 4601 days
1U CubeSat for the Auburn University Student Space Program - to measure gamma rays produced by high-altitude thunderstorms.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Oct 29, 20:5670150.0256    45781697.45101.70289
M-Cubed & Explorer 1 [PRIME]
2011-061F
37855
Re-entered - 2024 Jun 30
Life 4630 days
M-Cubed is a 1U imaging CubeSat from the University of Michigan. Explorer 1 Prime is a 1U Cubesat for Montana State University to measure the radiation belts as discovered by the original Explorer 1, it replaces a satellite lost in the failed Glory launch earlier in 2011. Explorer 1 [PRIME] was later renamed the Hiscock Radiation Belt Explorer. The two satellites remained joined together after departing from from the launch vehicle, possibly as a result of mutual attraction between their magnetic stabilisation systems.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Oct 29, 20:5670150.0258    45681797.45101.71289


2011-062
Soyuz-U 11A511U
Baikonur Cosmodrome
2011 Oct 30, 10:11
Progress M-13M (Progress 7K-TGM №413)
2011-062A
37857
Re-entered - 2012 Feb 25
Life 118 days
Precise time 10:11:12 UTC. Supplies to ISS. Delayed from early-mid month by investigation into the Progress M-12-M Soyuz-U launch failure. Cargo included 34.5 kg Chibis-M lightning-studies satellite. Docked with Pirs module Nov 2 at 11:40 UTC. Undocked 2012 Jan 23 at 22:09:35. Engine firings Jan 24 at 01:35:13 and 02:22:00 UTC propelled it to a 500 km circular orbit from where it released Chibis-M. Retro-fire for 235.3 seconds starting 2012 Feb 25 at 02:25 UTC provided Δv 125.6 m/s, followed by destructive re-entry beginning 03:04 UTC, with any unburnt fragments falling in the southern Pacific Ocean at 03:17.56 UTC near 51.4° South, 128.2° West.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
estimated orbit65950.0033    19523988.8351.6278
2011 Oct 30, 20:4866410.0023    24727889.7651.64129
2011 Nov 1, 22:3366430.0016    25527689.8151.64123
2011 Nov 2, 17:3467670.0022    37440492.3451.6414
2012 Jan 24, 08:5268800.0010    49450994.6551.64248
Chibis-M (RS-39)
2011-062C
38051
Re-entered - 2014 Oct 15
Life 1081 days
Small satellite (34.4 kg) released from Progress M-13M - 2012 Jan 24 at 23:18:30 UTC. Purpose is to study physical processes in atmospheric lightning discharges over a wide range of energies and from radio wavelengths to gamma radiation. The expected operational life is one year. Also carries the RS-39 amateur radio payload.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Jan 25, 08:4168780.0011    49250894.6251.64248


2011-063
CZ 2F
Jiuquan Space Centre
2011 Oct 31, 21:58
Shenzhou 8
2011-063A
37859
Re-entered - 2011 Nov 17
Life 17 days Returned to Earth
Test mission using piloted spacecraft in automatic mode to undertake docking operations with Tiangong 1 (2011-053A/37820). First serial production model of Shenzhou. Docked Nov 2 at 17:28 UTC and the two vehicles were locked together eight minutes later. Undocked Nov 14 at 11:27 UTC, backed off to 140m distance, and re-docked shortly after at 11:53 UTC as a test of spacecraft sensors at a low Sun angle. Undocked for landing Nov 16 at 10:44 UTC. Landed Nov 17 at 11:32:14 UTC in inner Mongolia near 42°.2 north, 111°.3 east. The mission was flown as a biosatellite with a payload of plants and animals. - part of the payload was DLR of Germany's SIMBOX (Science in Microgravity Box).

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Nov 1, 14:3866660.0040    26231590.2842.79138
2011 Nov 2, 13:2366990.0009    31532790.9442.78269
2011 Nov 3, 12:0467110.0008    32833891.1942.79285
2011 Nov 15, 06:2167100.0005    32833591.1642.79354
2011 Nov 17, 06:5567130.0002    33333691.2242.7978
estimated orbit66360.0084    20231389.6642.78134
CZ 2F third stage
2011-063B
37860
Re-entered - 2011 Nov 8
Life 8 days
Launched Shenzhou 8.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Nov 1, 11:0266310.0084    19730889.5642.78134
Shenzhou 8 Orbital Module
2011-063D
37883
Re-entered - 2012 Apr 2
Life 154 days
Detached from Shenzhou 8 Nov 17 at 10:44 UTC just prior to retro-fire. Main function was to carry the rendezvous systems and docking unit for operations with Tiangong 1. Re-entered naturally 2012 Apr 2, 09:09 UTC ±1 min.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Nov 18, 07:1467120.0003    33233691.2142.8098
2011 Dec 15, 10:5166990.0005    31732590.9542.80316


2011-064
Proton-M + Briz-M
Baikonur Cosmodrome
2011 Nov 4, 20:11
Cosmos 2476 (Uragan-M № 744)
2011-064A
37867
in space
GLONASS-M navigation satellite. Cosmos designation subject to confirmation.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Nov 6, 17:47255540.0014    1914119211677.5764.78336
2011 Nov 10, 14:24254220.0049    1892019168672.3264.77251
2011 Nov 25, 12:01254630.0034    1899919172673.9664.77254
2011 Dec 1, 02:47255080.0019    1908019179675.7264.77254
Cosmos 2477 (Uragan-M № 745)
2011-064B
37868
in space
GLONASS-M navigation satellite. Cosmos designation subject to confirmation.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Nov 5, 20:29255490.0012    1914119201677.3764.79330
2011 Nov 10, 14:24256180.0032    1915719323680.1164.7938
2011 Dec 10, 18:11255080.0015    1909219168675.7364.77268
Cosmos 2475 (Uragan-M № 743)
2011-064C
37869
in space
GLONASS-M navigation satellite. Cosmos designation subject to confirmation.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Nov 7, 19:12255490.0012    1913919202677.3664.79329
2011 Nov 12, 18:44254760.0031    1901819178674.4764.79265
2011 Nov 25, 03:07254760.0031    1901819178674.4764.78265
2012 Feb 4, 08:07255080.0020    1908019180675.7464.76287


2011-065
Zenit-2SB
Baikonur Cosmodrome
2011 Nov 8, 20:16
Phobos-Grunt
2011-065A
37872
Re-entered - 2012 Jan 15
Life 68 days
Russian soil-sampling spacecraft also carrying Yinghuo (Firefly) 1, a detachable Chinese orbiter vehicle. Separated from the launch vehicle at 20:27 UTC and departure from parking orbit was due Nov 9, approx 01:20 UTC but the necessary motor firings did not occur. Mars arrival was due 2012 October, followed by separation of Yinghuo (mass 110 kg) and about one year studying Phobos, including collection, 2013 February, of a soil sample to reach Earth 2014 August. Launch date was within a four week launch window with opening Nov 5. Delayed from 2009 Q4. the previous window, due to hardware/software problems.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Nov 9, 03:3266520.0102    20734290.0051.4325
2011 Nov 22, 10:3066440.0080    21331989.8351.4393
2011 Nov 29, 17:4666370.0074    20930889.6851.43123
2012 Jan 15, 16:3664970.0010    11212586.8551.41343
Phobos-Grunt debris (Nov 29)
2011-065G
37940
Re-entered - 2011 Nov 29
Life 21 days
Separated from Phobos-Grunt 2011 Nov 29 around 03:00 UTC. The value for eccentricity is suspect.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Nov 29, 04:3866330.0024    23927189.6051.3193
Phobos-Grunt debris (Nov 30)
2011-065H
37947
Re-entered - 2011 Dec 2
Life 24 days
Separated from Phobos-Grunt 2011 Nov 30 around 03:00 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Nov 30, 14:1166040.0051    19226089.0251.42127
2011 Dec 1, 18:1265350.0016    14716787.6351.42133


2011-066
CZ 4B
Taiyuan Space Centre
2011 Nov 9, 03:21
Tianxun 1
2011-066A
37874
Re-entered - 2016 Feb 7
Life 1551 days
Small technology experiments satellite built by Nanjing University, carrying a 30m resolution Earth imaging device built by Suzhou University. Near sun-synchronous obit.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Nov 9, 09:4468630.0008    48049094.3197.41309
Yaogan 12
2011-066B
37875
in space
Imaging satellite for natural resources surveys including crop yields, and help with natural disaster-reduction and prevention. Some of the data collected may amount to intelligence gathering. Sun synchronous orbit.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2011 Nov 9, 10:4368660.0005    48449194.3697.4127610:29
2011 Nov 17, 22:2068720.0006    48949894.4897.4123810:29
2012 May 9, 23:0968690.0007    48649694.4297.391910:31
2013 Jul 15, 21:1568620.0003    48248794.2997.3529210:31
2013 Oct 29, 12:1968680.0009    48349694.4097.3431310:29
2023 Feb 13, 03:4968730.0005    49249994.5297.2930810:07
2023 Feb 13, 13:2568730.0005    49249994.5297.2930610:07


2011-067
Soyuz-FG 11A511U-FG
Baikonur Cosmodrome
2011 Nov 14, 04:14
Soyuz TMA-22 (Soyuz 11F732A17 № 232)
2011-067A
37877
Re-entered - 2012 Apr 27
Life 165 days Returned to Earth
Launch, during blizzard, of crew to ISS. Final Soyuz TMA launch, all subsequent missions will use Soyuz TMA-M. Precise time - 04:14:03 UTC. Crew - Anton Shkaplerov, Anatoly Ivanishin, Daniel Burbank (Commander Expedition 30). Originally brought forward from September 30 to Sep 22 but then delayed by investigation of the Soyuz-U launch failure of Aug 2. Docked with the Poisk module of the ISS Nov 16 at 05:24:08 UTC. Undocked 2012 Apr 27 at 08:18:19 UTC, landed 11:45 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Nov 14, 04:0265940.0032    19523788.8251.6375
2011 Nov 14, 08:5066850.0039    28133390.6651.6417
2011 Nov 15, 10:2266860.0031    28732990.6851.6414
2011 Nov 16, 05:5067650.0022    37240292.2951.6463


2011-068
CZ 2D
Jiuquan Space Centre
2011 Nov 20, 00:15
Chuangxin 1-03 (Innovation 1C)
2011-068A
37930
in space
Small experimental store-dump communications satellite developed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, it will be used to collect and relay water conservancy, hydrological and meteorological data and data for power supply and disaster relief from remote monitoring stations.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2011 Nov 20, 03:0271720.0010    787801100.7598.4726906:31
2023 Feb 13, 10:5071700.0016    780804100.7098.709005:24
Shiyan 4 (Test 4)
2011-068B
37931
in space
Technology research and development satellite, purpose not identified but formal description says it is for "conducting scientific experiments on space maintenance technologies".

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2011 Nov 20, 08:0471720.0013    785802100.7498.4628206:31
2013 Nov 23, 04:5471710.0013    784802100.7398.4527805:45
2023 Feb 13, 00:2071700.0024    774809100.6998.7112105:27


2011-069
Proton-M + Briz-M
Baikonur Cosmodrome
2011 Nov 25, 19:10
Asiasat 7
2011-069A
37933
in space
Comsat for Asia Satellite Telecommunications Company as a replacement satellite for AsiaSat 3S to provide general communications and V-Sat services to China, southern Asia, the Middle East and Australia. It is designed to operate for 15 years. Precise launch time - 19:10:34 UTC. Separated from the Briz-M Nov 26 at 04:23:18 UTC. Expected location: 105°.5 east longitude.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2011 Nov 26, 07:09310780.3503    1381435586908.740.010
2011 Nov 28, 00:26387730.0824    29201355881266.350.04344
2011 Nov 30, 17:13414730.0088    34729354611400.910.04284
2011 Dec 1, 07:22420140.0013    35582356911428.420.0314495°.9 E
2011 Dec 5, 16:52421640.0002    35777357951436.060.04143101°.5 E
2012 Apr 4, 23:12421450.0003    35754357811435.110.05176101°.0 E
2012 Apr 17, 13:33421660.0001    35784357921436.170.07126105°.9 E
2023 Feb 11, 23:44421640.0002    35778357931436.050.0532105°.5 E


2011-070
Atlas V 541, AV-028
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
2011 Nov 26, 15:02
MSL/Curiosity
2011-070A
37936
Re-entered - 2012 Aug 6
Life 254 days
Mars Science Laboratory, the rover "Curiosity" is intended to assess whether Mars ever was, or is still today, an environment able to support microbial life, and to determine the planet's habitability. The selected landing area is the foot of a mountain in the crater "Gale", named after the Australian astronomer Walter Gale. Curiosity separated from the Centaur stage of the launch vehicle at 15:46 UTC. Mars landing by direct descent was 2012 Aug 6 at 05:14:30 UTC.


2011-071
Soyuz-2.1b + Fregat
Plesetsk Cosmodrome
2011 Nov 28, 08:25
Cosmos 2478 (Uragan-M № 746)
2011-071A
37938
in space
GLONASS-M navigation satellite to replace one of the trio lost in the launch failure of 2010 Dec 5. After testing, it will be held as an on-orbit spare.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Nov 29, 00:19255230.0007    1912719163676.3464.82287
2011 Dec 13, 03:40255080.0010    1910319156675.7364.81235


2011-072
CZ 2C
Taiyuan Space Centre
2011 Nov 29, 18:50
Yaogan 13
2011-072A
37941
in space
Imaging satellite carrying a synthetic aperture radar 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: 18:50:04 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2011 Dec 1, 10:2668860.0005    50551194.7897.1127201:56
2012 Apr 8, 12:3768820.0006    49950894.6997.1216401:34
2012 May 9, 23:1168810.0008    49750894.6797.127301:29
2013 Jul 16, 05:2668840.0003    50450894.7497.379700:51
2013 Oct 29, 04:0068850.0001    50650794.7597.3811500:48
2023 Feb 13, 14:1968700.0001    49149294.4497.667902:42


2011-073
CZ 3A
Xichang Space Centre
2011 Dec 1, 21:07
Beidou 10 (Beidou-2 IGEO-5)
2011-073A
37948
in space
Fully-functional satellite in China's pre-operational navigation satellite system. It also provides time and messaging services for the Asia-Pacific region from a 55° inclined geosynchronous orbit crossing the equator near 93° east longitude - parked as an on-orbit spare along with Beidou 2-09 (2011-038A/37763) 25 degrees to the west of the main inclined group of Beidou 2-05 (2010-036A/36828), Beidou 2-07 (2010-068A 37256) and Beidou 2-08 (2011-013A/37384). Arrived on station 2011 Dec 10 at 10:55 UTC ±20 min.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2011 Dec 2, 07:46243810.7313    17335832631.4355.34175
2011 Dec 14, 06:30421630.0019    35704358661436.0155.1718994°.6 E
2016 Mar 29, 03:07421640.0036    35633359391436.0653.7720295°.2 E
2023 Feb 13, 03:17421630.0085    35425361441435.9949.9022096°.2 E


2011-074
Proton-M + Briz-M
Baikonur Cosmodrome
2011 Dec 11, 11:17
Amos 5
2011-074A
37950
in space
Israeli comsat built by the Russian Reshetnev company. It will cover Africa, with connections to Europe and the Middle East, and will also carry direct broadcast TV services for Israel. It was released from the launch vehicle at 20:52 UTC and will be stationed at 17° east longitude, a new location for the Amos constellation. Satellite ceased to operate 2014 Nov 21 and became uncontrollable but remained on-station.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2011 Dec 13, 23:30422520.0044    35689360581440.540.12101
2011 Dec 30, 18:19421800.0049    35596360071436.870.0917216°.4 E
2012 Jan 11, 18:16421640.0005    35764358071436.040.076117°.0 E
2015 Nov 22, 21:41421650.0002    35780357951436.120.0230917°.0 E
2023 Feb 12, 23:55421730.0004    35776358141436.515.87347126°.4 E
Luch 5A
2011-074B
37951
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. Also carries a COSPAS-SARSAT search and rescue system receiver and provides time correction for GLONASS users. Separated from the Briz-M at 20:11 UTC. Pre-launch rumours suggested it would be at 16° west longitude but it settled down near 59° east (for testing?). Around 2012 May 30, it started to drift eastward and settled at 95° east on Jun 14. It subsequently drifted to 167° east where it settled at the end of 2012.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2011 Dec 13, 22:17422200.0040    35672360121438.944.9129654°.6 E
2011 Dec 21, 23:06421660.0002    35780357951436.144.8828058°.5 E
2012 May 30, 18:57421630.0005    35764358061436.034.5219958°.5 E
2012 Jun 7, 19:58420350.0009    35618356961429.474.5019570°.2 E
2012 Jul 14, 21:24421660.0002    35779357971436.174.4334694°.8 E
2012 Dec 19, 00:57418920.0007    35484355431422.174.0826
2012 Dec 29, 11:13421650.0013    35734358411436.134.08352167°.0 E
2014 Sep 24, 05:14421640.0006    35762358101436.072.75309167°.0 E
2023 Feb 12, 20:41421650.0002    35777357971436.125.62240167°.0 E
Briz-M
2011-074C
37952
in space
The final two entries are estimates based on Khrunichev's orbital data as the satellites were released into independent orbit. Over the next few hours, the Briz-M performed two further engine firings to distance itself from the satellites and from the geosynchronous satellite belt.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Dec 11, 11:2662190.0529    -48917081.3451.4790
2011 Dec 11, 11:3465510.0000    17317387.9551.45120
2011 Dec 11, 12:4290080.2628    2624998141.8150.07355
2011 Dec 11, 15:04245670.7243    39635982638.6947.860
2011 Dec 11, 20:10422100.0041    35660360051438.424.910
2011 Dec 11, 21:00423410.0004    35945359821445.130.00180


2011-075
H-IIA 202 (F-20)
Tanegashima Space Centre
2011 Dec 12, 01:21
IGS 7 (IGS Radar 3)
2011-075A
37954
in space
Information Gathering Satellite - Japanese government/military radar imaging reconnaissance satellite. Launch was at the beginning of a 15 minute window. Orbits are based on amateur observations.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2012 Jul 15, 05:4868910.0002    51251494.8997.4635310:21


2011-076
Soyuz ST-A + Fregat-M (VS-02)
Centre Spatiale Guyanaise
2011 Dec 17, 02:03
ELISA W23
2011-076A
38007
in space
ELectronic Intelligence by SAtellite - a demonstration project sponsored by the French defence procurements agency (DGA) as a precursor of the elint ROEM (Ceres) satellite. Four satellites based on the Myriade platform moving in similar orbits to map the positions of radar and other transmitters and determine their technical characteristics. Precise launch time 02:03:08 UTC, separated from launch vehicle at 03:02 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Dec 23, 12:2470630.0011    67769298.4598.21348
2022 Oct 24, 21:4670560.0004    67568198.3197.8332
ELISA E12
2011-076B
38008
in space
ELectronic Intelligence by SAtellite - a demonstration project sponsored by the French defence procurements agency (DGA) as a precursor of the elint ROEM (Ceres) . Four satellites based on the Myriade platform will moving in similar orbits to map the positions of radar and other transmitters and determine their technical characteristics. Precise launch time 02:03:08 UTC, separated from launch vehicle at 03:02 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Dec 23, 12:2370620.0012    67569298.4398.21349
2022 Oct 24, 22:4969970.0002    61862197.0997.8116
ELISA E24
2011-076C
38009
in space
ELectronic Intelligence by SAtellite - a demonstration project sponsored by the French defence procurements agency (DGA) as a precursor of the elint ROEM (Ceres) satellite. Four satellites based on the Myriade platform moving in similar orbits to map the positions of radar and other transmitters and determine their technical characteristics. Precise launch time 02:03:08 UTC, separated from launch vehicle at 03:02 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Dec 23, 12:2570630.0010    67769298.4698.21346
2022 Oct 24, 21:5670310.0002    65165497.7897.8194
ELISA W11
2011-076D
38010
in space
ELectronic Intelligence by SAtellite - a demonstration project sponsored by the French defence procurements agency (DGA) as a precursor of the elint ROEM (Ceres) satellite. Four satellites based on the Myriade platform will moving in similar orbits to map the positions of radar and other transmitters and determine their technical characteristics. Precise launch time 02:03:08 UTC, separated from launch vehicle at 03:02 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Dec 23, 12:2370620.0012    67569298.4398.21350
2022 Oct 24, 22:1969920.0003    61261596.9797.80322
SSOT (Sistema Satelital para Observación de la Tierra)
2011-076E
38011
in space
Sistema Satelital para Observación de la Tierra, a small Chilean Earth observation satellite based on the Myriade platform developed jointly by Astrium and CNES. Precise launch time 02:03:08 UTC, separated from launch vehicle at 05:29 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2011 Dec 23, 10:0369980.0002    61962297.1197.989310:23
2023 Feb 13, 09:4870010.0001    62262397.1597.778610:07
Pléiades 1A
2011-076F
38012
in space
First of a pair of French digital imaging satellites with very high resolution sensors. To be used by commercial organisations, government and the military. Precise launch time 02:03:08 UTC, separated from launch vehicle at 02:58 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2011 Dec 23, 16:3170750.0002    69569998.7198.216610:30
2023 Feb 13, 10:4270760.0001    69769998.7398.187110:30


2011-077
CZ 3B/E
Xichang Space Centre
2011 Dec 19, 16:41
NigComSat 1R
2011-077A
38014
in space
Chinese built and launched comsat for Nigeria to replace NigComSat 1 (2007-18A/31395) that suffered an electrical supply failure from one of its solar panels 2008 Nov 10 and was subsequently moved to graveyard orbit. Separated from the launch vehicle 26 min after lift off. Coverage area is Africa, eastern Europe and in parts of Central Asia where it will provide communications, broadcasting, distance education, broadband multimedia and navigation services. Expected location 42°.5 east longitude. Designation and catalogue number subject to confirmation.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
GEO    
Longitude
2011 Dec 19, 10:53273790.7607    17341829751.4224.77179
2011 Dec 31, 02:23421650.0000    35786357871436.090.2635942°.5 E
2023 Feb 12, 13:12421650.0004    35768358061436.120.0322742°.5 E


2011-078
Soyuz-FG 11A511U-FG
Baikonur Cosmodrome
2011 Dec 21, 13:15
Soyuz TMA-03M (Soyuz 11F732A47 № 703)
2011-078A
38036
Re-entered - 2012 Jul 1
Life 193 days Returned to Earth
Crew to ISS - Oleg Kononenko (Russia), André Kuipers (ESA), Donald Pettit (USA). Brought forward from Dec 26 to avoid ground staff working at Christmas-time. Second test flight of Soyuz TMA-M (the first mission in the series was a Qualification Flight for some of the new systems but was not a complete upgrade from the previous model). Precise time: 13:16:14 UTC. Docked with the port on Rassvet Dec 23, 15:19:14 UTC. Undocked 2012 Jul 1 at 04:47:43 UTC, landed 08:14:50 UTC near 47°.2 north, 69°.3 east, 148 kilometers south-east of the city Dzhezkazgan in Kazakhstan.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Dec 21, 15:1866000.0041    19524988.9351.6381
2011 Dec 21, 21:0166960.0055    28135590.8951.64170
2011 Dec 23, 19:4667700.0024    37540892.4051.64198
2012 Jun 29, 16:0467780.0008    39440592.5551.64102


2011-079
CZ 4B
Taiyuan Space Centre
2011 Dec 22, 03:26
Ziyuan-1 02C
2011-079A
38038
in space
Remote sensing satellite in sun-synchronous orbit. Equipped with a full-color high-resolution multi-spectral camera and a panchromatic camera. Its main tasks include production of images at 1:50,000 scale for use in land resource surveys to monitor disaster prevention measures, disaster mitigation, agriculture, forestry, water conservancy and the environment. The satellite separated from the launch vehicle at 03:39 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
Desc Node
Local Time
2011 Dec 22, 11:1471440.0006    761770100.1598.5630310:30
2023 Feb 13, 10:3871490.0006    767776100.2798.5635509:57


2011-F04 - failed to reach orbit
Soyuz-2.1b + Fregat
Plesetsk Cosmodrome
2011 Dec 23, 12:08
Meridian 5 (Meridian № 15L)
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. Launch failed through a problem with the Soyuz third stage. Rocket and payload fell back for a destructive re-entry into the atmosphere. Fragments were recovered after they hit the Earth near Novosibirsk, Russia about 12 minutes after launch.


2011-080
Soyuz-2.1a + Fregat
Baikonur Cosmodrome
2011 Dec 28, 17:09
Globalstar-2 M084
2011-080A
38040
in space
Part of constellation of satellites providing on-demand telephone and low-speed data communications. Launched as part of a set of six satellites. Operational orbit will be circular at 1400 kilometers. Globalstar index number awaited.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Dec 29, 06:3773010.0005    919926103.4852.01215
2012 Mar 31, 16:4076430.0003    12621267110.8252.01158
Globalstar-2 M080
2011-080B
38041
in space
Part of constellation of satellites providing on-demand telephone and low-speed data communications. Launched as part of a set of six satellites. Operational orbit will be circular at 1400 kilometers. Globalstar index number awaited.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Dec 29, 06:3773010.0005    919926103.4752.01213
2012 Apr 13, 20:3774890.0030    10881133107.4952.01111
2012 Aug 20, 14:3277920.0000    14131414114.0852.01138
Globalstar-2 M082
2011-080C
38042
in space
Part of constellation of satellites providing on-demand telephone and low-speed data communications. Launched as part of a set of six satellites. Operational orbit will be circular at 1400 kilometers. Globalstar index number awaited.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Dec 29, 06:3773000.0007    916927103.4552.01216
2012 Aug 19, 12:3577920.0001    14131414114.0852.01113
Globalstar-2 M090
2011-080D
38043
in space
Part of constellation of satellites providing on-demand telephone and low-speed data communications. Launched as part of a set of six satellites. Operational orbit will be circular at 1400 kilometers.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Dec 29, 06:3672990.0007    916926103.4452.01225
2012 Mar 31, 19:1177590.0026    13611401113.3752.01156
2012 Apr 14, 17:1177920.0001    14131414114.0852.01102
Globalstar-2 M092
2011-080E
38044
in space
Part of constellation of satellites providing on-demand telephone and low-speed data communications. Launched as part of a set of six satellites. Operational orbit will be circular at 1400 kilometers.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Dec 29, 06:3772990.0008    915926103.4352.01222
2012 Aug 20, 13:4677920.0001    14131414114.0851.99115
Globalstar-2 M086
2011-080F
38045
in space
Part of constellation of satellites providing on-demand telephone and low-speed data communications. Launched as part of a set of six satellites. Operational orbit will be circular at 1400 kilometers.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Dec 29, 06:3773010.0005    919926103.4652.01225
2012 Aug 20, 22:1977920.0001    14131414114.0851.99127


Copyright © Robert Christy, all rights reserved
Reproduction of this web page or any of its content without permission from the website owner is prohibited