Comparison of the Optus A3 satellite.
The almost 20 year old ex-Aussie Optus A3 satellite appeared in the skies above Europe at 31.5E spring 2006. She was only used being for undisclosed tests as she was 8 degrees inclined.
The main satellite comparison index
| Satellite: | Optus A3 |
| . | (note 1) |
| Launch | 16 / 9 / 1987 |
| Launch Location | Kourou |
| Launch Mass (kg) | 1250 |
| Expected Lifetime (years) | 10 |
| Power Consumption (watts) | 1000 |
| Transponder Capacity at launch | 14(+4) |
| TWTA Output (watts) | 11+2
12W 4+2 30W |
| Transponder Bandwidth (MHz) | 45 |
| Channels (MHz) | ? |
| Current Location | 31.5°E |
| Decommission Date | 2006 |
| Manufacturer / Spacecraft type | Hughes HS 376 |
| Stabilisation type | spin |
Notes
1 Elderly ex Australian satellite also known as Aussat 3. Moved to 31.5E for tests April - July 2006. Expected life span of 10 years should have put it out of service around 1997! Running 8 degrees inclined at 31.5E
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