NSSDCA/COSPAR ID: 2008-016A
ICO G1 is an American (ICO Global Communications, Inc.) geostationary communications satellite that was launched by an Atlas 5 rocket from Cape Canaveral at 20:12 UT on 14 April 2008. The 6.6 tonne (with fuel), 16 kW craft carries an unfurlable, 12 m diameter S-band mesh, and is 30 m long including the solar panels. It will operate in 2.0 GHz band with seven C-band transponders, providing voice video, and internet services directly to mobile platforms in North America, after parking over 92.9° W. Although 99% of its population are adequately served by the cell phone networks, the roadside services are unavailable in 33% of the area; this will be met by the geostationary craft. It utilizes a GBBF (Ground-Based Beam Forming system) which allows 250 transmitting and 250 receiving independent S-band beams.
Launch Date: 2008-04-14
Launch Vehicle: Atlas V
Launch Site: Cape Canaveral, United States
Questions and comments about this spacecraft can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office