Satcom K2

USA

Also called Satcom Ku 2

Launch data

Designation 16276 / 85109D
Launch date 27 Nov 1985
Launch siteKSC, LC-39A
Launch vehicleShuttle STS-61B
MissionTelecommunications
Geostationary orbit:

Set out by crew on 28 Nov 1985

Location

Begin End Position
L: 28 Nov 1985 Nov 1996 81°W
Nov 1996 Jun 1997 85°W
Jul 1997   81°W

Description:

Satcom K-2 was shuttle-launched by a second generation Pam-D. The new Pam-DII can place heavier payloads-up to 1,887 kg- into orbit. Satcom Ku-2 is 2.5 m tall and spans 20 m with solar arrays deployed. Three axis, spin stabilized, it weighs 1,857 kg when deployed from shuttle.
Sixteen 14/12 GHz-band channels operatig at 45 W provide television distribution, voice data and teleconferencies services to the contiguous 48 states.

Transponder frequency chart (GHz)

Horizontal
Uplink 		Horizontal
Downlink 		Transponder Vertical
Downlink 		Vertical
Uplink
  11.7290 1    14.0290
14.0585   2  11.7585  
  11.7880 3    14.0880 Spot to Western US
14.1175   4  11.8175  
  11.8470 5    14.1470
14.1765   6  11.8765  
  11.9060 7    14.2060
14.2350   8  11.9350  
  11.9650 9    14.2650
14.2945   10 11.9945  
  12.0240 11   14.3240
14.3535   12 12.0530  
  12.0830 13   14.3830
14.4125   14 12.1125  
  12.1420 15   14.4420
14.4715   16 12.1715  

Ref: #15(28 Feb 2001), #112(vol.21) - update: 21.08.08