Maqsat 3

ESA

Spacecraft nº:

ESA spacecraft nº: 41

Launch data:

Designation	25503 / 98059A
Launch date	21 Oct 1998 - 16:37 UT
Launch site	Ko, ELA-3
Launch vehicle	Ariane-5G (V112)
Mission	Technology (Vehicle evaluation)
Earth orbit on:
Perigee/Apogee	1152 x 36612 km
Inclination	7.0°
Period	655.9 min

Maqsat 3 was not fully instrumented; the number of sensors was limited to a dozen shock transducers and strain gauges situated particularly around the interface with the payload adapter.

The satellite was not separated at GTO injection point to avoid increasing space debris.

Specifications

Prime contractor	Kayser-Threde of Munich
Platform
Operator	Arianespace
Mass at launch	2730 kg
Mass in orbit
Dimension	2 m diameter x 2.5 m long
Solar array	None
Stabilization
DC power
Design lifetime

Description

MaqSat 3 (Maquette Satellite 3) matches the original satellite W2's mechanical features and dynamical characteristics. A condition for the contract with the Munich-based space company Kayser-Threde called for the short delivery period of only three months. On September 1st, the dummy-structure with a mass of 2,600 kg and a length of more than 3 m as flown to Kourou, Europe's spaceport. Launch took place in October 21, 1998.
Due to the unavailability of the originally planned tele-communications satellite W2, Arianespace opted for the flight of a dummy payload. This third and last test flight of the new carrier Ariane 5 primarily aims at reaching GTO and at taking up commercial business with flight 504 as soon as possible.
During the development of MAQSAT 3, nine mechanical parameters have had to be adapted to the values of W2 within an extremely short time. In parallel, manufacture of the first parts has had to be started, with all activities running at maximum speed. After integration, a final modal test is planned.

Ref: #14, #113 - update: 19.11.11