Inmarsat 3-F5 was the fifth in a series of five third generation satellites. Launched from the Kourou Space Center aboard an Ariane rocket, it is currently 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: 1998-02-04
Launch Vehicle: Ariane 4
Launch Site: Kourou, French Guiana