NSSDCA/COSPAR ID: 1989-041B
DFS 1, a West German communications satellite, was launched by an Ariane 4 rocket, version 44L, from the Kourou Space Center in French Guiana along with the Japanese Superbird 1 satellite. The Deutsche Bundespost (DBP) satellite was one segment of an expanded telecommunications system, supplementing Germany's existing national terrestrial network. It provided DBP cable TV networks with satellite programs, accommodated 1,800 telephone and 200 data lines between Germany and Berlin, and offered a closed data transmission network to subscribers. The payload housed 11 transponders; three operating at 14/11 GHz and seven at 14/12 GHz. One 30/20 GHz channel was on board for future use. The first of 2 satellite in the system, Kopernikus 1 was built for DBP by Consortium R.DFS, led by MBB/ERNO. It measured 4.15 m by 15.40 m with solar arrays deployed. It was powered by 1,500 W over it 10-year service life. The satellite drifted to its assigned station as 23.5 deg. e after 3 agogee firings boosted it to geosynchronous orbit.
Launch Date: 1989-06-05
Launch Vehicle: Ariane 44L
Launch Site: Kourou, French Guiana
Mass: 645 kg
Nominal Power: 1500 W
Questions and comments about this spacecraft can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office