Intelsat III F-3 was a geostationary communications satellite operated by Intelsat. Launched in 1969 it was intended for operations over the Pacific Ocean; however, it spent most of its service life over the Indian Ocean at a longitude of 63 degrees east.[4]
The third of eight Intelsat III satellites to be launched, Intelsat III F-3 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.[5] It was designed for 5 years of service life.[6]
The launch of Intelsat III F-3 made use of a Delta M rocket flying from Launch Complex 17A