Date of launch (location):
Jan. 25, 1971 (ETR)
Launch vehicle:
Atlas-Centaur
Weight (kg):
1403
Shape:
Cylindrical with an antenna mounted
on one end
Dimensions (m):
5.36 height
2.37 diameter
Power source:
Solar cells plus NiCd
batteries
NASA's role:
Launch vehicle and ground support
(reimbursable)
Cooperating organizations:
NASA and Communications Satellite
Corporation, representing the International
Telecommunications Satellite Consortium (Intelsat)
Prime contractor:
Hughes Aircraft Co.
Objectives:
Commercial communications support
from synchronous orbit above the equator (Atlantic link);
capable of 3000 to 9000 telephone circuits or 12 color TV
channels or a combination of telephone, TV, data, and other
forms of communications.
Results:
Successful; first of a new
series.
Reference: NASA, "Intelsat IV F-2 Mission Operations Report," S-634-71-01, Jan. 17, 1971.