Orion 2

Launch Success

Liftoff Time (GMT)

06:22:00

Tuesday October 19, 1999

Mission Details

Launch Notes

Flight V121.

Orion 2

Wiki

Telstar 12, previously known as Orion 2, is a Canadian communications satellite in the Telstar series which is operated by Telesat. It was originally built for Orion Network Systems, which merged with Loral Skynet shortly before the satellite was launched. It was subsequently transferred to Telesat when it merged with Loral Skynet in 2007. Telstar 12 is a Ku band satellite with coverage of North America as far west as Cleveland, Ohio, the majority of South America, and Europe. Telstar 12 also has the capability to provide intercontinental connectivity including trans-Atlantic to the Mid-East. Eutelsat uses four transponders on the satellite for services between Europe and the Americas. In Q1 2016, Telstar 12 was replaced in its orbital position with Telstar 12 Vantage.

Geostationary Transfer Orbit

1 Payload

3,814 kilograms

Rocket

Retired
Ariane 44LP

Active 1988 to 2001

European Space Agency logo

Manufacturer

ESA

Rocket

Diameter: 3.8m

Height: 58.72m

Payload to Orbit

GTO: 4,220 kg

Liftoff Thrust

5,800 Kilonewtons

Stages

3

Strap-ons

4

Launch Site

ELA-2

Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana, France

Fastest Turnaround

16 days

Stats

Ariane 4


90th

Mission

6th

Mission of 1999

European Space Agency


109th

Mission

6th

Mission of 1999

1999


61st

Orbital launch attempt