24819 - INMARSAT 3-F4

Inmarsat 3-F4 was the fourth in a series of five third generation satellites. Launched from the Kourou Space Center aboard an Ariane rocket, it is currently in service over the Atlantic 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: 1997-06-03
Launch Vehicle: Ariane 44L
Launch Site: Kourou, French Guiana
Mass: 2400.0 kg