| Names | PAS-6B IS-6B |
|---|---|
| Mission type | Communications |
| Operator | PanAmSat /Intelsat |
| COSPAR ID | 1998-075A |
| SATCATno. | 25585 |
| Website | http://www.intelsat.com |
| Mission duration | 15 years (planned) 26 years, 3 months, 23 days (elapsed) |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Spacecraft | PAS-6B |
| Spacecraft type | Boeing 601 |
| Bus | HS-601HP |
| Manufacturer | Hughes Space and Communications |
| Launch mass | 3,470 kg (7,650 lb) |
| Power | 8kW |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 22 December 1998, 01:08UTC |
| Rocket | Ariane 42L H10-3 (V115) |
| Launch site | Centre Spatial Guyanais,ELA-2 |
| Contractor | Arianespace |
| Entered service | February 1999 |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric orbit |
| Regime | Geostationary orbit |
| Transponders | |
| Band | 32Ku-band |
| Coverage area | South America |
Intelsat 6B (IS-6B,PAS-6B) was asatellite providing television and communication services forIntelsat, which it was commissioned by in 2006.[1]
It was manufactured byHughes Space and Communications. At beginning of life, it generates 8kW. This version takes advantage of such advances as dual-junctiongallium arsenidesolar cells, new battery technology and the first commercial use of a high-efficiencyxenon ion propulsion system (XIPS).
The satellite was launched on 22 December 1998, 01:08UTC, on anAriane 42L H10-3launch vehicle from theCentre Spatial Guyanais atKourou inFrench Guiana.[2] PAS-6B provides satellite services inSouth America, includingdirect-to-home (DTH) television services.
In 2003, PAS 6B lost the secondary XIPS engines additionally to the earlier loss of the primaries, which will lead to a reduced lifetime.[1]
