Palapa D1

Spacecraft n°:

Indonese spacecraft n°: 15

Launch data: Designation  35812 / 09046A Launch date  31 Aug 2009 - 09:28 UT Launch site  Xichang, LC-2 Launch vehicle  CZ-3B Mission  Commercial: Communications Geostationary orbit on: Perigee / Apogee  35780 x 35792 km Eccentricity  1.42E-04 Inclination  0.07 deg Period  1436.09 min

Mission details:

• Third stage of rocket put it in a low transfer orbit, but was able to maneuver; reduced service life.
• Indosat's Palapa D satellite was launched by a Chinese Chang Zheng 3B rocket on Aug 31, 2009. The CZ-3B reached a low parking orbit, and the third stage reignited for a second burn towards geostationary transfer orbit. However, the engine shut down early leaving the Palapa D in a 217 x 21138 km x 22.4 deg orbit. The satellite used on Sep 2, 2009 its own on-board propulsion to reach the correct 216 x 35687 km x 22.2 deg transfer orbit; this maneuver will however reduce its operational life.
• By Sep 8 the satellite orbit was 9616 x 35670 km x 7.8 deg.