24674 - INMARSAT 3-F3

Inmarsat 3-F3 was the third in a series of five third generation satellites. Launched from Cape Canaveral aboard an Atlas 2 rocket, it is currently in service over the Pacific 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, aircraft 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: 1996-12-18
Launch Vehicle: Atlas
Launch Site: Cape Canaveral, United States