The Inmarsat-6 F1 satellite was launched on December 25, 2020, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
The launch vehicle used was a Proton Breeze M rocket, which successfully delivered the satellite into orbit.
The Inmarsat-6 F1 satellite is the first of a new generation of satellites from Inmarsat, designed to provide high-speed broadband connectivity to remote and underserved communities worldwide.
It will enable faster and more reliable communication services, including voice, data, and video, for a wide range of users, from individuals to organizations and governments.
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Launch Details
The Inmarsat-6 F1 launch took place on Wednesday, December 22, from Japan's Tanegashima Space Center at 10:32 a.m. EST (1532 GMT).
The satellite was launched aboard a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries H-2A rocket.
The Inmarsat-6 F1 is the first of two "I-6" spacecraft that London-based company Inmarsat plans to loft to geostationary orbit, about 22,240 miles (35,790 kilometers) above our planet.
The satellite weighs 12,060 pounds (5,470 kilograms).
Wednesday's launch had originally been targeted for Tuesday, but concerns about possible bad weather caused a one-day delay.
The I-6 pair "are the largest and most sophisticated commercial communications satellites ever launched", Inmarsat representatives wrote in a fact sheet.
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Mission and Destination
The Inmarsat-6 F1 satellite has a destination of Geostationary Transfer Orbit. This satellite is part of a dual mission to augment both L-band and Ka-band Global Xpress services.
Inmarsat-6 F1 is the first of two "I-6" spacecraft that London-based company Inmarsat plans to loft to geostationary orbit, about 22,240 miles above our planet. It's a huge satellite, weighing in at 12,060 pounds.
The Inmarsat-6 F1 satellite will be compatible with existing terminals for Inmarsat's already-operational ELERA and Global Xpress networks. This means that users won't need to worry about upgrading their equipment to use the new satellite.
The Inmarsat-6 F1 satellite carries a large 9 m aperture L-band antenna and nine multibeam Ka-band antennas. This setup provides a high level of flexibility and connectivity for users.
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Updates
The Inmarsat-6 F1 has been making waves in the space industry, and we're excited to share the latest updates with you. Successful launch confirmed by Inmarsat.
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The launch date and window for the Inmarsat-6 F1 have been announced, and we're eagerly awaiting the exact timing. Launches occur at the Tanegashima Space Center, a hub for Japan's space exploration efforts.
The H-IIA rocket used for the launch is quite impressive, with a length of 53.0 meters and a diameter of 4.0 meters. It's a liquid-fueled rocket, designed for efficient launches into geostationary orbit.
Here's a breakdown of the H-IIA rocket's specs:
The launch cost for the H-IIA rocket is a significant $90 million, but it's a crucial investment in Japan's space exploration program.
Launch Site
The Inmarsat-6 F1 satellite was launched from Japan's Tanegashima Space Center. This is the site where the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries H-2A rocket took off on December 22.
The launch took place at 10:32 a.m. EST (1532 GMT). This timing is crucial for satellite launches, as it allows for optimal conditions.
The Tanegashima Space Center is a critical location for Japan's space program. It's a site that has been used for numerous successful launches in the past.
The launch was initially scheduled for Tuesday, December 21, but was delayed due to concerns about bad weather. This delay added an extra day to the launch preparations.
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