Definition
Intelsat IVA F‑6 was a geostationary communications satellite operated by the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (Intelsat) as part of the Intelsat IVA series.
Overview
The Intelsat IVA series comprised six satellites (Intelsat IVA‑F‑1 through Intelsat IVA‑F‑6) launched in the mid‑1970s to provide transoceanic telephone, television, and data communications services. Each satellite was placed in a geostationary orbit above the equator, enabling continuous coverage of a large portion of the Earth's surface. The series represented an incremental improvement over the earlier Intelsat IV series, offering increased transponder capacity and enhanced reliability.
Etymology/Origin
The designation “Intelsat IVA F‑6” follows Intelsat’s naming convention: “Intelsat” identifies the operating organization, “IVA” denotes the fourth generation of the “A” sub‑series (the first “A” series being Intelsat IVA), “F” stands for “flight” or “satellite unit,” and “6” indicates it was the sixth satellite built in this series.
Characteristics
- Manufacturer: Hughes Aircraft Company (now part of Boeing)
- Spacecraft bus: Hughes HS‑376 (the bus used for many Intelsat satellites of this era)
- Launch vehicle: Typically a Delta or Atlas rocket; the exact launch vehicle for F‑6 is not definitively documented in publicly available sources.
- Launch date: The specific launch date for Intelsat IVA F‑6 is not confirmed in open‑source records; the series' launches occurred between 1975 and 1979.
- Mass at launch: Approximately 1,300 kg (typical for Intelsat IVA satellites)
- Orbit: Geostationary orbit at roughly 35,786 km altitude; longitudinal slot assigned to Intelsat’s global network.
- Payload: Equipped with multiple C‑band transponders (usually 20‑24) to support voice, television, and data links.
- Design life: Designed for a nominal operational lifespan of 7 years; actual service duration varied by satellite.
Note: Precise technical specifications for Intelsat IVA F‑6, such as exact launch date, launch vehicle, and in‑orbit performance, are not fully corroborated by publicly accessible encyclopedic sources. Where details are uncertain, the information provided reflects the typical characteristics of the Intelsat IVA series.
Related Topics
- Intelsat IV series – The predecessor generation of Intelsat communications satellites.
- Hughes HS‑376 bus – The satellite platform used for many Intelsat spacecraft launched in the 1970s and 1980s.
- Geostationary orbit (GEO) – The orbital regime used for fixed‑position communications satellites.
- International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (Intelsat) – The intergovernmental consortium that owned and operated a global network of communications satellites.