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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. 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
Further Spacenet missions:

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