NSSDCA/COSPAR ID: 1989-027A
A joint venture of Sweden, Norway and Finland, Tele-X was the first Nordic telecommunications satellite. Launched aboard the last Ariane 2, Tele-X provided direct TV boradcast to home receivers and video conferencing and data transmission service to business users in Northern Europe. Three high power channels operating in 17/12 GHz accommodated direct broadcast. EIRP was 61 dBW; traveling wave tube (TWT) power output of 230 W enabled signals to be received on antennas as small as 30 cm. Two channels, operating in 14/12 GHz, could serve the video and data needs of up to 5,000 business users. Tele-X was built for the Swedish Space Corporation by Aerospatiale/Eurosatellite. The satellite measured 2.4 by 1.65 by 5.0 m with antennas deployed. Solar arrays span 19 m tip to tip and provided 3.6 kW of power. Three apogee motor firings boosted it into geosynchronous orbit where it arrived on station at 5 degrees E on 14 April. It has a 6- to 8-year life expectancy.
Launch Date: 1989-04-02
Launch Vehicle: Ariane 2
Launch Site: Kourou, French Guiana
Mass: 1277 kg
Nominal Power: 3006 W
Questions and comments about this spacecraft can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office