NSSDCA/COSPAR ID: 1991-003B
EUTELSAT-II F2 was launched for the European Space Agency from the Kourou Space Center in French Guiana by the same Ariane rocket that launched ITALSAT 1. It was the second in a series of new-generation European Telecommunications Satellite Organization (EUTELSAT) and provided TV, telephone, telex and data transmission services to the European Community. It carried sixteen 50-W Ku-band transponders; signals could be received on small 60 to 70-cm antennas. Built by a consortium led by Aerospatiale, the satellite measured 1.3 by 1.3 by 2.7 m. Solar arrays spanned 22.4 m when deployed and provided 3,000 W of power. It had an eight-year design life. The Ariane-launched satellite was colocated with EUTELSAT-I F5 above 10 deg. E. Traffic was transferred from the elder satellite and commercial service via the new craft commenced in March. EUTELSAT-I F5 was then moved to 21.5 E.
Launch Date: 1991-01-15
Launch Vehicle: Ariane 44L
Launch Site: Kourou, French Guiana
Mass: 1877 kg
Nominal Power: 3000 W
Questions and comments about this spacecraft can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office