Intelsat 6B

Intelsat 6B was a satellite providing television and communication services for Intelsat, which it was commissioned by in 2006.

Satellite description

It was manufactured by Hughes Space and Communications. At beginning of life, it generates 8 kW. This version takes advantage of such advances as dual-junction gallium arsenide solar cells, new battery technology and the first commercial use of a high-efficiency xenon ion propulsion system.

Launch

The satellite was launched on 22 December 1998, 01:08 UTC, on an Ariane 42L H10-3 launch vehicle from the Centre Spatial Guyanais at Kourou in French Guiana. PAS-6B provides satellite services in South America, including direct-to-home television services.

Mission

In 2003, PAS 6B lost the secondary XIPS engines additionally to the earlier loss of the primaries, which will lead to a reduced lifetime.