Orbcomm-X

American experimental communications satellite, failed shortly after reaching orbit. Orbcomm-X was launched on July 17, 1991 aboard a Ariane 40 from Kourou. Latest status in GCAT: in orbit.

COSPAR 1991-050CNORAD 21576United States

Identity

Name in GCAT: Orbcomm-X
International designator: 1991-050C
NORAD catalog number: 21576
GCAT identifier: S21576
UN registration: ST/SG/SER.E/258

Mission

Mission type: Communications
Use: Commercial
Program: Orbcomm-X
Owner: Orbcomm
Country: United States
Builder: Fairchild Space and Electronics
Platform (bus): Orbcomm-X

Launch

Date: July 17, 1991 · 01:46 UTC
Launch record: 1991-050Success
Rocket: Ariane 40
Spaceport: Kourou · pad ELA2

Orbit and fate

Orbit class (GCAT): LEO/S
Perigee: 766 km
Apogee: 775 km
Inclination: 98.52°
Status: In orbit
Last known active: Jul 17, 1991
End of operations: Jul 17, 1991

Size

Mass: 17 kg
Dry mass: 17 kg
Length: 0.2 m
Diameter: 0.50 m
Span: 4.4 m

Launched together

ERS-1Space science · ESA UoSAT-5Communications · SSTL TUBSAT-1Communications · TUB SARAAstronomy · ESIEESPACE

Source: GCAT payload, deep-space and lander catalogs, Jonathan C. McDowell (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata Q111499748 (CC0).