ArianeSpace has successfully launched PanAmSat 7 from Kourou, French Guiana 2:31 a.m. EDT. The second of three high-powered broadcast and telecommunications satellites built by Space Systems/Loral for PanAmSat Corporation. The PAS-7 satellite extends SS/L's role as a premier supplier of advanced high-powered direct-to-home (DTH) broadcast satellites optimized for digital video traffic. The satellite has 10 kilowatts of total on-board power, making it one of the most powerful communications satellites ever launched.
The satellite, which will occupy a geosynchronous orbital location at
68.5 degrees E.L., contains 14 C-band and 30 Ku-band transponders. The
total on-board satellite transmitter power is greater than 3700 RF
watts.
PAS-8, the third high-powered satellite being built by SS/L, is
scheduled to be launched in fourth quarter of 1998.
The design of all the SS/L-built PanAmSat satellites is based on SS/L's
flight-proven three-axis, body-stabilized FS-1300 bus, tailored to
accommodate the required communication payload. The modular design and
construction of the FS-1300 platform supports reliable long-life
operation with an integral bipropellant propulsion system to place the
satellite on station and provide station-keeping capability.
A three-axis momentum-bias system accurately maintains attitude
stability on orbit throughout the satellite's life. Deployable solar
arrays supplemented with high-energy nickel-hydrogen batteries provide
uninterrupted electrical power to the spacecraft.
