Galaxy 23

Geostationary communications satellite. Galaxy 23 was launched on August 8, 2003 aboard a Zenit-3SL from Kiritimati (Sea Launch). Latest status in GCAT: in orbit.

COSPAR 2003-034ANORAD 27854United States

Identity

Name in GCAT: Echostar IX
Common name: Galaxy 23
Payload designation: Echostar 9
International designator: 2003-034A
NORAD catalog number: 27854
GCAT identifier: S27854
UN registration: ST/SG/SER.E/437

Mission

Mission type: Communications
Use: Commercial
Program: Echostar
Owner: Echostar
Country: United States
Builder: SS/Loral
Platform (bus): SSL-1300

Launch

Date: August 8, 2003 · 03:30 UTC
Launch record: 2003-034Success
Rocket: Zenit-3SL
Spaceport: Kiritimati (Sea Launch)

Orbit and fate

Orbit class (GCAT): GEO/D
Perigee: 35,555 km
Apogee: 35,951 km
Inclination: 0.05°
Status: In orbit
Last known active: Jul 21, 2025
End of operations: Jun 1, 2025

Size

Mass: 4,737 kg
Dry mass: 2,000 kg
Length: 5.6 m
Diameter: 2.80 m
Span: 31.0 m

Source: GCAT payload, deep-space and lander catalogs, Jonathan C. McDowell (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata Q5518101 (CC0).