Aurora 2

Description

Aurora 2, an Alaskan-owned telecommunications satellite, was launched from Cape Canaveral aboard a Delta booster rocket. It provided telephone, television, maritime, radio and emergency communications service for the northern state's long distance carrier, Alascom, as well as radio and data services for GE Americom. The satellite carried 32 C-band transponders (24 primary and 6 redundant) operating at 6/4 GHz. Sixteen of the 24 channels served Alaskan customers, 8 served US business. Built by GE Astro-Space for Alascom, Aurora 2 was box-shaped, measuring 1 by 1.64 by 1.4 m. Two three-panel solar arrays, totalling 13 sq. m, extended from either side of the main body. The fixed dual-polarization reflector antenna covered the continental US, Alaska and Hawaii. It replaced Aurora 1, retired after 9 years of service. Stationed above 139 deg. w, Aurora 2 became operational in July. It has a 12-year life expectancy.