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. West, it joined three Spacenet satellites, four 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 | COSPAR | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ASC 1 (ex AmerSat 1) | 1985-076C | 27.08.1985 | CCK LC-39A | Shuttle [PAM-D] | with Discovery F6 (STS 51-I), Leasat 4, Aussat A1 | |
ASC 2 → Spacenet 4 (ex AmerSat 2) | 1991-028A | 13.04.1991 | CC LC-17B | Delta-7925 | ||
ASC 3 | - | cancelled | → PAS 1 |