ASC 1, 2 / Spacenet 4
ASC 2 [GE Astro-Space]
The ASC series consisted of three satellites built by GE Astro-Space for Contel ASC and carried 18 C-band and 6 Ku-band transponders for TV news and interactive data transmissions to private networks and small terminals.
ASC 1 was launched by Shuttle [PAM-D] in 1985.
ASC 2 was launched by a Delta-7925 in 1991. A subsequent merger between Contel and GTE Spacenet brought the satellite into the GTE fold; its name was changed to Spacenet 4 after launch. Stationed above 101 deg. w, it joined 3 Spacenet satellites, 4 GStars and ASC 1 to complete the merged GTE/Contel constellation. The existing fleet was covering for 3 Ku-band transponders aboard Spacenet 4 that failed on orbit.
ASC 3 was not needed and sold to PanAmSat as PAS 1.
This series was box-shaped, measuring 1 by 1.3 by 1.6 m. Solar arrays spanned 14.1 m. It has a 10-year design life.
| Nation: | USA |
|---|---|
| Type / Application: | Communication |
| Operator: | Contel → GTE |
| Contractors: | RCA Astro → GE Astro |
| Equipment: | 18 C-band, 6 Ku-band transponders |
| Configuration: | AS-3000 |
| Propulsion: | Star-30C |
| Power: | 2 deployable solar arrays, batteries |
| Lifetime: | 10 years |
| Mass: | 1150 kg (#1), 1350 kg (#2) |
| Orbit: | GEO |
| Satellite | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASC 1 (ex AmerSat 1) | 27.08.1985 | CC LC-39A | Shuttle [PAM-D] | with Discovery F6 (STS 51-I), Leasat 4, Aussat A1 | |
| ASC 2 → Spacenet 4 (ex AmerSat 2) | 13.04.1991 | CC LC-17B | Delta-7925 | ||
| ASC 3 | cancelled | → PAS 1 |
- Spacenet 1, 2, 3, 3R (AS-3000)
- Spacenet 4 (AS-3000)
