AMC-2
GE-2, called AMC-2 after 2001, is a privately owned American communications satellite launched in 1997. It was the first of the GE Series to be launched outside the United States.[1] It was launched by an Ariane 4 on January 30, 1997, flying from ELA-2, Guiana Space Center alongside another Satellite, Nahuel 1A. It was owned by GE Americom until 2001 when the company was sold to SES (Société Européenne des Satellites). The name of the spacecraft was then changed by SES to AMC 2.[1]
| Mission type | Communications |
|---|---|
| Operator | GE Americom (previously) SES Americom |
| COSPAR ID | 1997-002A |
| SATCAT no. | 24713 |
| Mission duration | 15 years (planned) |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Spacecraft type | GE |
| Bus | A2100A |
| Manufacturer | Lockheed Martin |
| Launch mass | 2648 kg |
| Dry mass | 1600 kg |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | January 30, 1997 22:04 |
| Rocket | Ariane 4 |
| Launch site | Kourou ELA-2 |
| Contractor | Arianespace |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric |
| Regime | GEO |
| Longitude | 81° W |
Overview
GE-2 carries 24-Ku-Band and 24 C-Band transponders. It weighs approximately 2,648 kilograms (5,838 lb) fully fueled and has a dry mass of 1,600 kilograms (3,500 lb). It is stationed at approximately 81°W. There is also a plan to relocate the satellite to 96.2 West orbital position and operate there pursuant to Argentine ITU filings.[2] It is powered by two deployable solar panels which charge the batteries. It uses LEROS-1C engines for propulsion.[1]
References
- "GE 1, 2, 3 / AMC 1, 2, 3". Space.skyrocket.de. Retrieved 2014-04-08.
- "Satellite Details - AMC 2 (GE 2)". SatBeams. 1997-01-30. Retrieved 2014-04-08.
External links
- AMC-2 at www.ses.com