Also called:
RCA 2
Date of launch (location):
Mar. 26, 1976 (ETR)
Launch vehicle:
Delta 3914
Weight (kg):
867
Shape:
Rectangular with two solar panels
extended on booms from opposite sides and an antenna and
reflector mounted on one end
Dimensions (m):
1.62 width
1.17 height (11.28 with panels
deployed)
Power source:
Solar cells plus NiCd
batteries
NASA's role:
Launch vehicle (reimbursable)
Cooperating organizations:
NASA and RCA
Responsible NASA center:
Goddard Space Flight Center
Project manager:
Robert Goss
Prime contractor:
RCA Corp.; Astro-Electronics Div. for
RCA Global Communications, Inc.; and RCA Alaska
Communications, Inc.
Objectives:
To provide commercial communications
for 8 years to the U.S.; capable of 24 color TV channels or
24 000 telephone circuits.
Results:
Successful; satellite began
experiencing control problems in Sept. 1979.
Reference: NASA, "SATCOM 2 Mission Operations Report," M-492-206-75-02, Mar. 18, 1976.