23839 - INMARSAT 3-F1

Inmarsat 3-F1 was the first in a series of five third generation satellites. Launched from Cape Canaveral aboard an Atlas 2A rocket, it is currently in service over the Indian Ocean. It used the latest spot-beam technology and higher power to supply voice and data communications services worldwide to mobile terminals as small as pocket-size messaging units on ships, aricraft and vehicles.

Each INMARSAT-3 also carried a navigation transponder designed to enhance the accuracy, availability and integrity of the GPS and Glonass satellite navigation systems.

Facts in Brief

Launch Date: 1996-04-03
Launch Vehicle: Atlas 2A
Launch Site: Cape Canaveral, United States
Mass: 2068.0 kg