38014 - NIGCOMSAT 1R

NigComSat 1R, a Nigerian communications satellite, was launched from Xichang on 19 December 2011 at 16:41 UT. The satellite weighed 5100 kg and was launched by a Long March 3B rocket. NigComSat 1R replaces NigComSat 1, which failed in orbit in 2008. Several upgrades were added to Nigcomsat 1R to improve its performance. It carries 28 active transponders including 4 C-band, 14 Ku-band, 8 Ka-band, 2 L-band and seven antennas reaching across sub-Saharan Africa, Europe and Central Asia. It also supplies communications between Nigeria and China. NigComSat 1R will be positioned at 42.5 degrees E Longitude. It has a design life of 15 years.

Facts in Brief

Launch Date: 2011-12-19
Launch Vehicle: Long March 3B
Launch Site: Xichang, Peoples Republic of China
Mass: 5100.0 kg