Galaxy 8i

USA

i stands for International

Launch data:

Designation: 25086 / 97078A
Launch date 08 Dec 1997
Launch site CC, LC-36B
Launch vehicle  Atlas-2AS (AC-149)
Mission Telecommunications
Geostationary orbit 95°W
Launch vehicle Atlas 2 #112

This satellite should replace Galaxy 3R but could remain colocated. It's antennas will cover a larger area than the Galaxy 3R satellite, especially over the Caribbean and Central America.

Tested from 79 deg W

Battery problems were reported. 3 of the 4 XIPS thrusters were announced as failed in sep 2000. This will lead the satellite to run out of fuel in 2002. It should be replaced by Galaxy 3C as soon as possible. Galaxy 8iR should be ordered soon.

Specifications:

Prime contractor Hughes
Platform HS-601HP
Mass at launch 3560 kg
Mass in orbit 1962 kg
Dimension stowed: 2.7 x 3.6 x 4 m
Solar array 26 m span, gallium arsenide
Stabilization 3-axis
DC power BOL: 9900 W
EOL: 8600 W
Design lifetime 15 years

Xenon propulsion (XIPS) used for full stationkeeping.

Location:

BeginEndPosition
  12 Feb 2004 ~264°E

Ku-band


Main transponders 32
Backup transponders 8
Power 115 W
Bandwidth 24 MHz
Coverage 2 beams: Latin America and Brazil + Central South America
EIRP max  
Polarization Circular
Frequencies Uplink: 13.750 - 14.000 GHz
Downlink: 11.450 - 11.950 GHz

16 transponders will be dedicated to South America, mainly for Portuguese programming.

Ku-band 2


Main transponders 1
Backup transponders 2
Power 50 W
Bandwidth  
Coverage  
EIRP max  
Polarization  
for telecommunication purposes
Ref: #3(SD382), #15 - update: 26.07.04