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SATCOMBw

COMSATBW-1
COMSATBW-2

SATCOMBw Satellites, Artist View

SATCOMBw stands for the satellite-based communication system of the German Armed Forces. As part of SATCOMBw phase 2 two dedicated satellites have been put into geostationary orbit on different positions.

The German Aerospace Center DLR and the German Space Operations Center performed the LEOP and commissioning operations from 2009 to 2010. This included the positioning of both satellites into the geostationary orbit, monitoring and control as well as check-out of the satellite bus during these phases. GSOC supported its industrial partner ASTRIUM in the execution of the payload-in-orbit-tests.

After the in-orbit-delivery the routine operations started for GSOC on behalf of MilSat Services (MSS). GSOC is now responsible for active monitoring and control of both satellites and payloads during the planned life-time of up to 15 years.

	COMSATBw-1	COMSATBw-2
Launch Date:	Oct 1, 2009	May 21, 2010
Orbit Altitude:	36000km	36000km
Orbital Position:	63.0° E	13.2° E
Mass:	2440kg	2440kg
Dimensions:	2.8 x 1.8 x 2.9m	2.8 x 1.8 x 2.9m
Launch Site:	Kourou	Kourou
Launcher:	Ariane 5	Ariane 5
Mission Duration:	15 years	15 years
Control Center:	DLR / GSOC	DLR / GSOC
Ground Stations:	Weilheim + Bw	Weilheim + Bw