NSSDCA/COSPAR ID: 1992-052C
S 80/T was a French experimental communications spacecraft launched from the Kourou Space Center in French Guiana by an Ariane rocket. Matra Marconi's S80/T microsatellite, based on the UK UoSat bus, was placed into a nearly circular orbit of 1,315 km at an inclination of 66.1 degrees as a piggyback on the Topex/Poseidon mission. Sponsored by CNES, the 50 kg satellite was gravity gradient stabilized with a 25 W power supply. The primary objectives were analysis of the VHF frequency band between 148 and 149.9 MHz and transmission of data to prepare the future operational S80 system, a constellation of small satellites in low, inclined orbits providing positioning and short message service.
Launch Date: 1992-08-10
Launch Vehicle: Ariane
Launch Site: Kourou, French Guiana
Mass: 50 kg
Nominal Power: 25 W
Questions and comments about this spacecraft can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office