# AMC-3

> communications satellite launched 1997

**Wikidata**: [Q4652553](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4652553)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AMC-3)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/amc-3

## Summary
AMC-3 is a communications satellite launched on September 4, 1997, designed to provide telecommunications services from geostationary orbit. Operated by SES Americom, it was deployed using an Atlas II rocket and later replaced by SES-10. The satellite played a role in global communication infrastructure, supporting television, radio, and data transmission.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: September 4, 1997
- **Operator**: SES Americom
- **Launch Vehicle**: Atlas II
- **COSPAR ID**: 1997-050A
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 24936
- **Aliases**: GE-3, AMC-3, Amc 3
- **Orbit Type**: Geostationary
- **Replaced By**: SES-10
- **Launch Site**: Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 36

## FAQs
### Q: When was AMC-3 launched?
A: AMC-3 was launched on September 4, 1997, aboard an Atlas II rocket from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 36.

### Q: Who operated AMC-3?
A: The satellite was operated by SES Americom, a subsidiary of the global satellite communications company SES.

### Q: What replaced AMC-3?
A: AMC-3 was replaced by SES-10, a later-generation satellite designed to continue providing telecommunications services.

## Why It Matters
AMC-3 contributed to the expansion of global telecommunications in the late 1990s, enabling broadcast, broadband, and communication services across the Americas. As part of SES Americom’s fleet, it supported critical infrastructure for media distribution, corporate networking, and government communications. Its position in geostationary orbit allowed for continuous coverage of a fixed region, ensuring reliable connectivity for users. While later replaced by advanced satellites like SES-10, AMC-3 exemplified the role of mid-1990s satellite technology in bridging global communication gaps.

## Notable For
- **Launch Vehicle**: Deployed via the Atlas II rocket, a workhorse of 1990s U.S. launch systems.
- **Geostationary Role**: Provided fixed-position coverage for telecommunications services.
- **Operator Heritage**: Part of SES Americom’s fleet, a key player in satellite communications.
- **Legacy**: Served until succeeded by SES-10, reflecting advancements in satellite technology.

## Body
### Launch Details
- **Date**: September 4, 1997
- **Rocket**: Atlas II (Atlas IIAS variant)
- **Site**: Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 36, Florida

### Technical Specifications
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 24936
- **COSPAR ID**: 1997-050A
- **Aliases**: GE-3, AMC-3, Amc 3
- **Orbit**: Geostationary (approx. 35,786 km altitude)

### Operational Role
- **Primary Function**: Telecommunications, including television broadcasting, radio, and data transmission.
- **Coverage**: Focused on the Americas, supporting regional communication needs.
- **Operator**: SES Americom, a leading satellite operator at the time.

### Legacy
- **Replacement**: SES-10, launched in 2017, took over AMC-3’s responsibilities, offering enhanced capacity and coverage.
- **Historical Context**: Part of the 1990s satellite boom, AMC-3 helped meet growing demand for global connectivity.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report