Fleetsatcom 4

USA

Spacecraft n°:

USA satellite n°:

Also called OPS 6394

Launch data:

Designation: 12046 / 80087A
Launch date 31 Oct 1980
Launch site CC, LC-36A
Launch vehicle Atlas-SLV3D Centaur-D1AR (AC-57)
Mission Military: telecommunications
Geostationary orbit 172°E, inclined (till Mar 1999 when the orbit was classified)

Spacecraft data:

Prime contractor  TRW
Operator 
Platform  
Mass at launch  2250 kg
Mass in orbit 1043 kg
Basic shape  Hexagonal
Dimension (m) dia: 2.43m, high: 1.27m
With a 4.88m diameter antenna
Solar array  13.2m
Stabilization  3-axis
DC power  BOL: 1500 W
Design lifetime  5 yrs

Decay:

Out of service:  yes
Cause:  

Fleetsatcom's UHF-band (244-263 MHz)

Each satellite has 23 communications channels, 10 of which are used by the Navy for communications between its land forces, ships, and aircraft. The Air Force uses 12 of the channels as part of its satellite communications system for command and control of nuclear forces. One channel is reserved for U.S. national command authorities.
Ref: #15 - update: 02.07.08