Status
Success
MARCES-1 & CAT-4
Launch Time
Sun Dec 20, 1981 01:29 UTC
Sun Dec 20, 1981 01:29 UTC
Flight L04.
Rocket
Mission Details
MARCES 1
The MARECS (Maritime European Communications satellite) satellites were members of Inmarsat's first-generation global maritime communications network. The program began as the experimental Maritime Orbital Test Satellite (MAROTS) in 1973 but was subsequently changed to an operational system resulting in a name change, a satellite redesign, and delayed development. ESA operates MARECS for Inmarsat.
Payloads: 1
Total Mass: 1,050.0 kg
Geostationary Transfer Orbit
CAT 4
CAT-4 is an Italian payload used to control the proper operation of the launcher and to send the flight parameters to the engineers. It worked perfectly well.
Payloads: 1
Total Mass: 217.0 kg
Geostationary Transfer Orbit
Location
ELA-1, Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana, France
Stats
1981
125th orbital launch attempt
European Space Agency
4th mission
2nd mission of 1981
3rd successful mission
2nd consecutive successful mission
Ariane 1
4th mission
2nd mission of 1981
3rd successful mission
2nd consecutive successful mission