Intelsat 603 - 20W

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Intelsat 603 is an elderly satellite most famous for ending up in the wrong orbit when launched and having to be rescued by the Space Shuttle Endeavour on her maiden flight!

_http://uu.cx/flight/49/

Shes running very inclined these days and the end cant be far off. The wobble is up to 5.4 degrees, so chances are the old girl will be retired soon (launched March 1990 - rescued May 1992!)

The shuttle crew fixed a new perigree kick motor to 603 and let her go. The bird was then able to attain the correct orbit and shes operated at 34.5W, 24.5W, and finally 20W.

These maps are from 20W, although the dilapidated craft has been off air for a year or so.... Nominally she had a west (European spotbeam, an eastern spot beam (Middle East) and some American coverage

 

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Heres a bit of history which I found on the NSS website this evening. These old maps date back to February 2003! It has to be said that the modern coloured maps are far easier to use!

 

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And the last few:

 

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As of April 2010 Intelsat 603 is being redeployed. Shes moving to 11.5E - although will be horribly inclined when (if) she goes back on air....

 

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As of April 2010 Intelsat 603 is being redeployed. Shes moving to 11.5E - although will be horribly inclined when (if) she goes back on air....

Well the footprints have been published - looks like shes being used for military comms in Somalia to me.


Definitely not a broadcast sat now - shes 7.6 degrees inclined