Intelsat VA F-12, then named Intelsat 512, was a communications satellite operated by Intelsat. Launched in September 1985, it was the twelfth of fifteen Intelsat V satellites to be launched. The Intelsat V series was constructed by Ford Aerospace, based on the Intelsat VA satellite bus. Intelsat VA F-12 was part of an advanced series of satellites designed to provide greater telecommunications capacity for Intelsat's global network.

Intelsat VA F-12 → Intelsat 512
Mission typeCommunication
OperatorIntelsat
COSPAR ID1985-087A [1]
SATCAT no.16101
Mission duration7 years (planned)
Spacecraft properties
BusIntelsat VA
ManufacturerFord Aerospace
Launch mass1981 kg
Dry mass1098 kg
Dimensions1.66 x 2.1 x 1.77 metres
Power1800 watts
Start of mission
Launch date29 September 1985,
23:36:00 UTC [2]
RocketAtlas G-Centaur D1AR (AC-65)
Launch siteCCAFS, LC-36B
ContractorGeneral Dynamics
End of mission
DisposalGraveyard orbit
DeactivatedJuly 1998
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric orbit[1]
RegimeGeostationary orbit
Longitude34.5° West (1985-1991) [3]
1.0° West (1991-1994)
21.5° West (1994-1996)
55.5° West (1996-1998)
Epoch29 September 1985
Transponders
Band26 C-band
6 Ku-band
Intelsat V

Satellite

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The satellite was box-shaped, measuring 1.66 by 2.1 by 1.77 metres; solar arrays spanned 15.9 metres tip to tip. The arrays, supplemented by nickel-hydrogen batteries during eclipse, provided 1800 watts of power at mission onset, approximately 1280 watts at the end of its seven-year design life. The payload housed 26 C-band and 6 Ku-band transponders. It could accommodate 15,000 two-way voice circuits and two TV channels simultaneously. It also provided maritime communications for ships at sea.[4]

Launch

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The satellite was successfully launched into space on 29 September 1985, at 23:36:00 UTC, by means of an Atlas G-Centaur D1AR vehicle from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, United States. It had a launch mass of 1981 kg.[3] The satellite was deactivated in July 1998.[3]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Display: Intelsat 5A F-12 1985-087A". NASA. Retrieved 23 April 2017.   This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  2. ^ McDowell, Jonathan. "Launch Log". Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved 23 April 2017.
  3. ^ a b c "Intelsat 512". TSE. Retrieved 23 April 2017.
  4. ^ "Display: Intelsat 5A F-15 1989-086A". NASA. 14 May 2020. Retrieved 20 June 2020.   This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.