QuetzSat 1 Satellite Overview and Launch Information

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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.

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

Credit: youtube.com, QuetzSat-1 launch on the Proton/Breeze-M from Baikonur - 29 Sep 2011

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.

Credit: youtube.com, Rocket Launch | QuetzSat-1 | ILS Proton Rocket

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.

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.

Recommended read: Eutelsat 115 West B

Credit: youtube.com, Quetzsat-1 Satellite Roars Into Space On Board ILS Proton

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

Melba Kovacek

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Melba Kovacek is a seasoned writer with a passion for shedding light on the complexities of modern technology. Her writing career spans a diverse range of topics, with a focus on exploring the intricacies of cloud services and their impact on users. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for simplifying complex concepts, Melba has established herself as a trusted voice in the tech journalism community.

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