NSSDCA/COSPAR ID: 1990-100B
Completing the GTE Spacenet communications satellite network, GStar 4 was tandem-launched aboard an Ariane 42P booster rocket. The fourth all Ku-band satellite in the network, GStar 4, stationed above 125 deg. w long., joined 3 GStars and 3 Spacenet satellites in geosynchronous orbit. Built by GE Astro Space, the satellite measured 2.75 m by 1.3 m by 1.6 m. Solar arrays spanning 14.3 m supplied 1,352 W at end of life. The communications payload consisted of 16 KU-band transponders providing telephone, video and data service to commercial users in the continential US, Alaska and Hawaii. A full frequency reuse capability allowed uplink and downlink frequencies to be used twice. Beam switching enabled users to fine-tune geographical service areas. GStar 4 has a 10-year life expectancy.
Launch Date: 1990-11-20
Launch Vehicle: Ariane 42P
Launch Site: Kourou, French Guiana
Mass: 741 kg
Nominal Power: 1352 W
Questions and comments about this spacecraft can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office