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Horizons-2 is a K_u band communications satellite owned by Horizons Satellite LLC, a joint venture between JSAT and Intelsat.^[1] Its orbital slot is located at 74° west longitude.

Launch

Horizons-2 was launched from the Guiana Space Centre — along with the Rascom-QAF 1 spacecraft — aboard an Arianespace Ariane 5-GS. Launch occurred at 21:42 GMT on 21 December 2007.^[2]

Platform and payload

Horizons-2 was built by Orbital Sciences Corporation based on its STAR Bus satellite platform, which will generate 3.5 kilowatts of payload power. Its payload consists of 20 Ku-band transponders.

Spacecraft Specifications

Launch Mass: 2,350 kg
Solar Arrays: Three panels per array, UJT Gallium Arsenide cells
Stabilization: 3-axis stabilized; zero momentum system
Propulsion: Liquid bi-propellant transfer orbit system; monopropellant (hydrazine)
Batteries: Two >3850 W-Hr capacity Li-Ion batteries
Mission Life: 15 years (fueled for over 16 years)
Orbit: 74 degrees West Longitude
Band: K_u band
Repeater: 16 active transponders with 22-for-16 redundant 85 W TWTA's; and 4
active transponders with 6-for-4 redundant 150 W TWTA's
TWTA Power: 3.5 kW minimum EOL
Antenna: Two 2.3 m dual gridded shaped reflectors
^[3]
NORAD ID: 32388
Internationall Code: 2007-063B
Perigee: 35,784.2 km
Apogee: 35,803.5 km
Inclination: 0.0°
Period: 1,436.1 min
^[4]

Coverage

The satellite will provide service to the continental United States, the Caribbean and parts of Canada.

References