Intelsat 6B (IS-6B, PAS-6B) was a satellite providing television and communication services for Intelsat, which it was commissioned by in 2006.[1]

Intelsat 6B
NamesPAS-6B
IS-6B
Mission typeCommunications
OperatorPanAmSat / Intelsat
COSPAR ID1998-075A Edit this at Wikidata
SATCAT no.25585
Websitehttps://www.intelsat.com
Mission duration15 years (planned)
25 years, 11 months, 10 days (elapsed)
Spacecraft properties
SpacecraftPAS-6B
Spacecraft typeBoeing 601
BusHS-601HP
ManufacturerHughes Space and Communications
Launch mass3,470 kg (7,650 lb)
Power8 kW
Start of mission
Launch date22 December 1998, 01:08 UTC
RocketAriane 42L H10-3 (V115)
Launch siteCentre Spatial Guyanais, ELA-2
ContractorArianespace
Entered serviceFebruary 1999
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric orbit
RegimeGeostationary orbit
Transponders
Band32 Ku-band
Coverage areaSouth America
← PAS-8
PAS-9 →

Satellite description

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It was manufactured by Hughes Space and Communications. At beginning of life, it generates 8 kW. This version takes advantage of such advances as dual-junction gallium arsenide solar cells, new battery technology and the first commercial use of a high-efficiency xenon ion propulsion system (XIPS).

Launch

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The satellite was launched on 22 December 1998, 01:08 UTC, on a Ariane 42L H10-3 launch vehicle from the Centre Spatial Guyanais at Kourou in French Guiana.[2] PAS-6B provides satellite services in South America, including direct-to-home (DTH) television services.

Mission

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In 2003, PAS 6B lost the secondary XIPS engines additionally to the earlier loss of the primaries, which will lead to a reduced lifetime.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b "PAS-6B → Intelsat 6B". Gunter's Space Page. 11 December 2017. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  2. ^ "Launch Log". Jonathan's Space Report. 14 March 2021. Retrieved 14 April 2021.[permanent dead link]
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