AMC-2

For the American mine sweeper, see USS Magpie (AMc-2).
AMC-2
(GE-2)
Mission type Communications
Operator GE Americom (previously)
SES Americom
COSPAR ID 1997-002A
SATCAT № 24713
Mission duration 15 years (planned)
Spacecraft properties
Spacecraft type GE
Bus A2100A
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin
Launch mass 2648 kg
Dry mass 1600 kg
Start of mission
Launch date January 30 1997
22:04
Rocket Ariane 4
Launch site Kourou ELA-2
Contractor Arianespace
Orbital parameters
Reference system Geocentric
Regime GEO
Longitude 81° W

GE-2, or AMC-2 (after 2001), is a privately owned American communications satellite launched in 1997. It was the first of the GE Series to be launched outside the USA.[1] It was launched by an Ariane 4 on January 30, 1997 flying from ELA-2, Guiana Space Center alongside another Satellite, Nahuel 1A. It was owned by GE Americom until 2001 when the company was sold to SES Americom. The name of the spacecraft was then changed by SES to AMC 2. [1]

Overview

GE-2 carries 24-Ku-Band and 24 C-Band transponders. It weighs approximately 2,648 kilograms (5,838 lb) fully fueled and has a dry mass of 1,600 kilograms (3,500 lb). It is stationed at approximately 81°W. There is also a plan to relocate the satellite to 96.2 West orbital position and operate there pursuant to Argentine ITU filings.[2] It is powered by two deployable solar panels which charge the batteries. It uses LEROS-1C engines for propulsion.[1]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "GE 1, 2, 3 / AMC 1, 2, 3". Space.skyrocket.de. Retrieved 2014-04-08.
  2. ↑ "Satellite Details - AMC 2 (GE 2)". SatBeams. 1997-01-30. Retrieved 2014-04-08.

External links