
The QuetzSat 1 satellite is a Mexican telecommunications satellite that was launched in 2011.
QuetzSat 1 is a geostationary satellite that provides telecommunications services to Mexico and other parts of Central America.
It was built by the Israeli company Spacecom and is operated by the Mexican company QuetzSat 1 S.A. de C.V.
QuetzSat 1 is equipped with 24 Ku-band transponders that provide television broadcasting and telecommunications services.
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Launch Details
QuetzSat 1 was launched by International Launch Services using a Proton-M carrier rocket with a Briz-M upper stage from site 200 of the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, at 18:32 UTC on 29 September 2011.
The launch successfully placed QuetzSat 1 into a geosynchronous transfer orbit, making it the 49th comsat of the SES satellite fleet.
The QuetzSat-1 satellite roared into space on board an ILS Proton Breeze M booster at 00:32 am Baikonur time (20:32 CEST and 14:32 EDT on September 29th, 2011).
After a 9-hour, 13-minute mission, the Breeze M upper stage of the Proton rocket successfully released the QuetzSat-1 satellite directly into geostationary transfer orbit.
QuetzSat-1 was launched from site 200 of the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
The QuetzSat-1 satellite is based on Space Systems/Loral’s highly reliable 1300 satellite platform.
QuetzSat-1 is an all Ku-band high-powered (20-kilowatt) communications broadcasting satellite.
Technical Information
QuetzSat 1 is an impressive satellite with some remarkable technical specs. It was built by Space Systems/Loral and is operated by QuetzSat.
The satellite has a mass of 5,514 kg, which is quite heavy. Its platform is the LS-1300S, an expanded version of the original design.
QuetzSat 1 has a payload of 32 Ku band transponders, which is a significant amount of communication equipment. Its orbital location is 77° West, a prime spot for direct-broadcast satellite services.
The satellite uses a 3-axis stabilization system to maintain its position in space. Its propulsion system includes an Aerojet R-4D engine and 4 plasma thrusters, specifically the SPT-100 model.
QuetzSat 1 has a designed lifetime of 15 years, which is a respectable amount of time for a satellite. It's also known as 37826, a unique identifier for tracking purposes.
Here's a quick rundown of the satellite's key specs:
Launch Vehicle
The QuetzSat 1 launch vehicle was a Proton-M carrier rocket with a Briz-M upper stage.
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Launched from site 200 of the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the Proton-M carrier rocket successfully placed QuetzSat 1 into a geosynchronous transfer orbit.
The launch took place on 29 September 2011 at 18:32 UTC.
ILS Proton was used for the launch, a partnership that has been successful for SES with over one third of their operational fleet launched on ILS Proton over the past 15 years.
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Orbit and Status
QuetzSat 1 was launched into space on September 29th, 2011, after a 9-hour, 13-minute mission.
The satellite was placed in geostationary transfer orbit by the Breeze M upper stage of the Proton rocket.
QuetzSat 1 is an all Ku-band high-powered communications broadcasting satellite.
It provides coverage of Mexico, USA, and Central America.
The satellite has 32 Ku-band transponders and is based on Space Systems/Loral's 1300 satellite platform.
QuetzSat 1 is designed to deliver service for 15 years or longer.
The satellite was contracted to a subsidiary of EchoStar Corporation.
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QuetzSat 1 is fully contracted to provide services to EchoStar's customers in the United States and Mexico.
Here are the key details about QuetzSat 1's orbit and status:
- Launch date: September 29th, 2011
- Orbit: Geostationary transfer orbit
- Platform: Space Systems/Loral's 1300 satellite platform
- Transponders: 32 Ku-band transponders
- Contractor: Subsidiary of EchoStar Corporation
- Service duration: 15 years or longer
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