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Inmarsat-4 F3
Operator Inmarsat
COSPAR ID 2008-039A Edit this at Wikidata
SATCAT no.33278 Edit this on Wikidata
Spacecraft properties
Bus Eurostar E3000
Manufacturer EADS Astrium
Launch mass5,960 kilograms (13,140 lb)
Start of mission
Launch date18 August 2008 (2008-08-18)
Rocket Proton-M/ Briz-M
Launch site Baikonur 200/39
Contractor ILS
Entered service7 January 2009
Orbital parameters
Reference system Geocentric
Regime Geostationary
Longitude98° West
 

Inmarsat-4 F3 is a communications I-4 satellite operated by the British satellite operator Inmarsat. It was launched into a geosynchronous orbit at 22:43 GMT on 18 August 2008, [1] by a Proton-M/ Briz-M Enhanced carrier rocket. It is currently located at 97.65° West longitude, providing coverage of the Americas. [2] It entered service on 7 January 2009.

Like the earlier Inmarsat-4 F1 and F2 satellites, Inmarsat-4 F3 was constructed by EADS Astrium, using a Eurostar E3000 bus. It has a mass of 5,960 kilograms, and is expected to operate for 13 years. [3] It was originally slated for launch using an Atlas V 531, but was transferred to Proton due to a large backlog of Atlas launches.

In the United States, Inmarsat ground stations are licensed to operate at 1525-1559 MHz and 1626.5-1660.5 MHz. The 1544-1545 MHz and 1645.5-1646.5 MHz bands are reserved for safety and distress communications. [2]

References

  1. ^ "ILS PROTON SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCHES INMARSAT-4 F3 SATELLITE". International Launch Services. 2008-08-19. Archived from the original on 2008-09-23. Retrieved 2009-02-15.
  2. ^ a b "Inmarsat List". US Federal Communications Commission. Archived from the original on March 23, 2014. Retrieved March 22, 2014.
  3. ^ Krebs, Gunter. "Inmarsat-4". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 2009-02-15.

External links