Intelsat III F-2 was a communications satellite operated by Intelsat. Launched in 1968 it was operated in geostationary orbit at a longitude of 24 degrees west for around eighteen months.
Spacecraft
The second of eight Intelsat III satellites to be launched, Intelsat III F-2 was built by TRW. It was a 293 kg spacecraft, with its mass reducing to 151 kg by entry into service as it burned propellant to reach its final orbit. The satellite carried an SVM-2 apogee motor for propulsion and was equipped with two transponders powered by body-mounted solar cells generating 183 watts of power.[2] It was designed for a five-year service life.[3]
Launch
The launch of Intelsat III F-2 made use of a