Satcom K1, K2

Satcom-K 1 [RCA]

Satcom K1 and K2 were the third generation of geostationary comsats built for RCA Americom.

These satellites were built by RCA Astro, later GE, using their enlarged three-axis stabilized AS-4000 bus. They featured a 16 Ku--band transponder communications payload. Life time was 10 years.

Nation: USA
Type / Application: Communication
Operator: RCA Satcom → GE Satcom
Contractors: RCA Astro
Equipment: 16 (+4) Ku-band transponders
Configuration: AS-4000
Propulsion: Star-37XFP
Power: 2 deployable solar arrays, batteries
Lifetime: 10 years
Mass: 1900 kg (1021 kg BOL)
Orbit: GEO
Satellite COSPAR Date LS Launch Vehicle Remarks
Satcom K1 1986-003B 12.01.1986 CCK LC-39A Shuttle [PAM-D2] with Columbia F7 (STS 61-C)
Satcom K2 1985-109D 27.11.1985 CCK LC-39A Shuttle [PAM-D2] with Atlantis F2 (STS 61-B), Aussat A2, Morelos 2, OEX Target

Launch Sites:

  • CCK =   NASA John F. Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral, Florida, USA   USA

References:

  • Donald H. Martin: Communication Satellites, Aerospace Press, 1991, p 159-165
Further Satcom missions:

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