Alcomsat-1
Mission type | Communication |
---|---|
Operator | Algerian Space Agency (ASAL) |
COSPAR ID | 2017-078A |
SATCAT no. | 43039![]() |
Mission duration | 15 years |
Spacecraft properties | |
Launch mass | 5,200 kilograms (11,500 lb) |
Start of mission | |
Launch date | 04:11, December 10, 2017 (UTC) |
Rocket | Long March 3B |
Launch site | Xichang Satellite Launch Center |
Orbital parameters | |
Reference system | Geocentric |
Regime | Geostationary |
Longitude | 24.8° west |
Transponders | |
Band | 20 (24 36Mhz equivalent) IEEE Ku band and 6 (13 36Mhz equivalent) IEEE C band transponders |
Frequency | Ku band and C band |
Bandwidth | Ku band: 864 Mhz C band: 464 Mhz |
Alcomsat-1 is the first Algerian communications satellite. It was carried by Chinese launcher Long March 3B from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, located in Sichuan Province, 2,200 km southwest of Beijing.[1]
The satellite was launched on 10 December 2017 and is designed for 15 years operational lifetime. It is a partnership between Algerian Space Agency (ASAL) and China. It is dedicated to telecommunications, television broadcasting and internet.
Operations[]
The satellite was developed by the Chinese Academy of Space Technology (CAST) and is based on the DFH-4 platform. Its communications payload is composed of 33 operational transponders (19 in Ku band, 12 in Ka band and 2 in L band). The satellite will operate for 15 years on the geosynchronous orbit. Launch mass was around 5,200 kg.[2]
The DFH-4 (DongFangHong-4) platform is a large telecommunications satellite platform of the next generation. It provides high capability in output power and communication capacity ranking with international advanced satellite platforms.
The applications for the DFH-4 platform are not limited to high capacity broadcast communication satellites and it can be used as a tracking and data relay satellite, regional mobile communication satellite, etc.
Image result for Chinese DFH-4 platform The platform comprises propulsion module, service module and a solar array system. It has a payload capacity of 588 kg and an output power of 10.5 kW by the end of its lifetime. Its reliability by the end of its lifetime is more than a 0.78 industry ratio.
The platform is equipped with 22 Ku-band transponders (four 54 MHz and eighteen 36 MHz), three receiver antennas, and two transmission antennas.
The DFH-4 can support the transmission of 150~200 TV programs simultaneously to ground users using a 0.45 meter antenna device. The DFH-4 satellite also features strong capabilities against hostile disturbance and jamming. The satellite's power supply includes two 6 meter solar panels.
See also[]
- Algeria national space programs
References[]
External links[]
- Spacecraft launched in 2017
- Communications satellites
- Satellites of Algeria
- 2017 in Algeria