NSSDCA/COSPAR ID: 1998-006B
Inmarsat 3-F5 was the fifth in a series of five third generation satellites. Launched from the Kourou Space Center aboard an Ariane rocket, it is currently service over the Atlantic Ocean. It used the latest spot-beam technology and higher power to supply voice and data communications services worldwide to mobile terminals as small as pocket-size messaging units on ships, aircraft and vehicles.
INMARSAT-3 development was carried out by prime contractor Lockheed Martin and payload provider Matra Marconi Space. With an end-of-life power rating of 2,800 W, each INMARSAT-3 could deliver an IERP of up to 48dBW - eight times the INMARSAT-2 level - in L-band. It could dynamically reallocate both RF power and bandwidth among a global beam and five spot beams, allowing greater reuse of the available spectrums. Simultaneous voice channel capacity was up to eight times the INMARSAT-2 figure.
Each INMARSAT-3 also carried a navigation transponder designed to enhance the accuracy, availability and integrity of the GPS and Glonass satellite navigation systems.
Launch Date: 1998-02-04
Launch Vehicle: Ariane 4
Launch Site: Kourou, French Guiana
Questions and comments about this spacecraft can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office