Intelsat 602
| Industry | Satellite communications |
|---|---|
| Products | Communications satellites |
Intelsat 602, also referred to as IS-602 and previously designated Intelsat VI F-2, was a communications satellite managed by Intelsat. It was launched in 1989 as the inaugural unit among five Intelsat VI series satellites constructed by Hughes Aircraft utilizing the HS-389 platform. The satellite was officially retired in July 2012.
The launch occurred at 23:05 UTC on 27 October 1989, using an Ariane 4 44L vehicle (flight V34) from the ELA-2 site at the Kourou. Initially inserted into a geosynchronous transfer orbit, Intelsat 602 then employed two liquid-propellant R-4D-12 thrusters to reach its designated geostationary orbit, completing this maneuver by 31 October 1989.
Operating in geostationary orbit, the satellite began with a perigee and apogee configuration along with an inclination of 0.1°, though the inclination increased over its operational period. It was equipped with 38 IEEE C band and 10 Ku band transponders, had a planned service duration of 13 years, and a launch mass of .
During its operational lifetime, Intelsat 602 was relocated multiple times to enhance service coverage across various markets. Its orbital positions shifted from an initial 37°W at launch to 24.5°W in 1991, then moved eastward to 60°E in 1992. Subsequently, it served at 63°E from 1992 until 1997, followed by operations at 62°E until 2001. Between 2001 and 2003, it was stationed at 32.9°E, then repositioned to 50.5°E from 2003 to 2004. Later assignments included locations over the Asia-Pacific region such as 150.5°E under a partnership with Indosat until May 2007. Its final operational positions were near 157°E and close to 178°E before being decommissioned. In July 2012, Intelsat 602 was moved to a designated graveyard orbit for retirement.