Satmex 6
| Operator | Satmex |
|---|---|
| Major contractors | Space Systems/Loral Arianespace (LSP) |
| Bus | LS-1300X |
| Mission type | Communication |
| Launch date | 27 May 2006 21:09 GMT |
| Carrier rocket | Ariane 5ECA |
| Launch site | Kourou ELA-3 |
| Mission duration | 15 years (planned) |
| COSPAR ID | 2006-020A |
| Mass | 5,456 kilograms (12,030 lb) |
| Orbital elements | |
| Regime | Geostationary |
| Inclination | 0° |
| Apoapsis | 35,796 kilometres (22,243 mi) |
| Periapsis | 35,776 kilometres (22,230 mi) |
| Orbital period | 24 hours |
| Longitude | 113° West |
| Transponders | |
| Transponders | 36 G/H band 24 J band |
Satmex-6 is a Mexican geostationary communications satellite which is operated by Satmex. It was launched in 2006, and is used to provide communications services to the Americas, Hawaii and the Caribbean.[1]
Constructed by Space Systems/Loral, Satmex 6 is based on the LS-1300X satellite bus. It is equipped with 36 G/H band (IEEE C band) and 24 J band (IEEE Ku-band) transponders, and at launch it had a mass of 5,456 kilograms (12,030 lb), with an expected operational lifespan of 15 years.[2][3]
Arianespace was contracted to launch Satmex 6, using an Ariane 5ECA carrier rocket flying from ELA-3 at the Guiana Space Centre. The launch occurred at 21:09 GMT on 27 May 2006, and placed Satmex 6, along with the Thaicom 5 satellite, into a geosynchronous transfer orbit.[4] At the time, this was the heaviest dual-satellite payload ever launched to geostationary transfer orbit.[5]
Following launch, the satellite raised its own orbit by means of an onboard apogee motor. At 18:33 GMT on 31 May, it was injected into geostationary orbit. It was subsequently tested, and positioned at a longitude of 113° West for operational service.[6]
See also [edit]
Internet via Satellite service based on iDirect platform using Satmex 6 satellite
References [edit]
- ^ "Satmex 6 (113.0W)". Satellite Fleet. Satmex. Retrieved 2009-08-08.[dead link]
- ^ "UCS Satellite Database". Union of Concerned Scientists. 2009-07-01. Retrieved 2009-08-08.
- ^ Krebs, Gunter. "Satmex 6". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 2009-08-08.
- ^ McDowell, Jonathan. "Launch Log". Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved 2009-08-08.
- ^ Launch Webcast. Arianespace. 2006-05-27.
- ^ McDowell, Jonathan. "Index". Geostationary Orbit Catalog. Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved 2009-08-08.
 |
This article about one or more communications satellites is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
