NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Success

Orion 1

Launch Time
Tue Nov 29, 1994 10:21 UTC

Rocket

Atlas IIA
Image Credit: USAF or NASA
Lockheed
Status: Retired
Liftoff Thrust: 2,479 kN
Payload to LEO: 7,316 kg
Payload to GTO: 3,180 kg
Stages: 2
Strap-ons: 0
Rocket Height: 47.5 m

Mission Details

Orion 1

The Orion 1 telecommunications satellite, launched in November 1994, was the first purchase of a European satellite by a US-based company. Its 34 Ku-band transponders serve Europe, the United States to the Rocky Mountains and parts of Canada and Mexico, providing video for broadcast and business television, high-speed Internet access and multimedia services, broadband and data networking. The Orion 1 satellite is equipped with many features which were innovative at the time of its launch and are now to be found as standard on many modern spacecraft: all-solid state power amplifier payload, dual 2.3m kevlar-moulded gridded shaped reflectors with both single and multiple feed horns and hinge deployment and trimming mechanisms for 2º of movement throughout the life of the satellite. In 1998, Orion Network Systems, Inc., the operator, was acquired by Loral and the satellite integrated into their fleet, operated by Loral Skynet, under the new name Telstar 11.

Payloads: 1
Total Mass: 2,361.0 kg
Geostationary Transfer Orbit

Location

SLC-36A, Cape Canaveral SFS, Florida, USA

Stats

1994

82nd orbital launch attempt

Atlas II

10th mission
3rd mission of 1994
10th successful mission