|
||
|
In Orbit Tests of Inmarsat I-4 Completed; Satellite Being Moved to Operational Position |
||
LONDON/TOULOUSE, May 5, 2005/Satnews Daily/ ¾ The Inmarsat-4 F1 satellite has successfully completed in-orbit tests following its launch on March 11, 2005. Inmarsat said early orbit operations have progressed as planned, and all spacecraft functions are performing well. The spacecraft will now take the next three weeks to be moved from its test location at 8° East longitude to its operational station at 64°E before service commences.
Inmarsat-4 F1 is the first of three spacecraft built by EADS Astrium that will provide capacity for existing services and the forthcoming Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) service, delivering voice and high-speed data connectivity to mobile users. In-orbit end-to-end system tests including the ground segment are currently being performed by Inmarsat.
The Inmarsat team in London, supported by engineers from EADS Astrium, took control and began operating the I-4 F1 following its launch into super-synchronous transfer orbit on March 11. The satellite experienced its first eclipse just 33 hours after launch, and arrived in geosynchronous orbit on March 22, after two apogee burns and two perigee burns. Following the deployment of its 45m wingspan solar array and 80 square metre antenna reflector, the satellite acquired on-station attitude in nominal solar sailing mode and began using the plasma propulsion system, EADS Astrium said.
According to Inmarsat, after the payload was turned on at the end of March, the first high speed control links were successfully established between the satellite and the access station at Fucino, Italy, through the on-board digital signal processor, and all active hardware has been confirmed as operational. The satellite is now available for operational use after in-orbit tests have verified that all systems are operating as specified. This included antenna pattern measurements, passive intermodulation and the testing of main communications parameters, which have been completed successfully. All tests performed so far have shown compliant results for the key performance parameters.
Recent Stories: Telenor Selected as Provider for Inmarsat’s New Global Satellite Service Northrop Grumman's AstroMesh Reflector Successfully Deploys on Inmarsat 4 Satellite Stratos Extends Cheaper Calling Hours for Inmarsat Crew Calls |
||
