26863 - ARTEMIS

Artemis was to be an European (ESA) geosynchronous communications spacecraft that was launched by an Ariane 5 rocket from Kourou at 23:58 UT on 12 July 2001. A propulsion problem is the final stage resulted in the 3.1 tonne (with fuel), 2.5 kW spacecraft ending up in a much lower orbit. It however carries two engines and adequate fuel that if ignited could elevate the orbit significantly, probably to the geosynchronous altitude. If that succeeds, it will provide voice and data communications between mobile phones in Europe and North America, and act as a relaying satellite between low-Earth orbiters and ground stations.

Facts in Brief

Launch Date: 2001-07-12
Launch Vehicle: Ariane 5
Launch Site: Kourou, French Guiana