# Arabsat 2B

> Saudi Arabian communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q624427](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q624427)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/arabsat-2b

## Summary
Arabsat 2B is a Saudi Arabian communications satellite launched on November 13, 1996, as part of the Arabsat fleet. It is a geostationary satellite designed for telecommunications, built by Aérospatiale using the Spacebus-3000A platform and powered by a spacecraft solar array and S400 engine.

## Key Facts
- **Launch date**: November 13, 1996, at 22:40 UTC from ELA-2.
- **Launch vehicle**: Ariane 44L (flight V92).
- **Manufacturer**: Aérospatiale (France).
- **Spacecraft bus**: Spacebus-3000A.
- **Orbit**: Geostationary.
- **Mass**: 2,661 kg (launch weight), 1,570 kg (dry weight).
- **Power source**: Spacecraft solar array (2) and S400 (1).
- **Operator**: Arab Satellite Communications Organization.
- **Part of**: Arabsat satellite fleet.
- **Country of origin**: Saudi Arabia.
- **Space tug**: H10-3 (used for orbital adjustments).

## FAQs
### Q: What type of satellite is Arabsat 2B?
A: Arabsat 2B is a geostationary communications satellite designed for telecommunications, part of the Arabsat fleet operated by Saudi Arabia.

### Q: Who built Arabsat 2B?
A: Arabsat 2B was built by Aérospatiale using the Spacebus-3000A platform.

### Q: What was the launch vehicle for Arabsat 2B?
A: Arabsat 2B was launched aboard an Ariane 44L rocket (flight V92) on November 13, 1996.

### Q: What is the mass of Arabsat 2B?
A: Arabsat 2B has a launch weight of 2,661 kg and a dry weight of 1,570 kg.

### Q: What powers Arabsat 2B?
A: Arabsat 2B is powered by a spacecraft solar array (2) and an S400 engine (1).

## Why It Matters
Arabsat 2B played a crucial role in Saudi Arabia’s early satellite communications infrastructure, providing television broadcasting, telephony, and data services across the Middle East and North Africa. As part of the Arabsat fleet, it supported regional connectivity and media distribution, contributing to the growth of satellite-based telecommunications in the region. Its geostationary orbit ensured continuous coverage, making it a key asset for Arab Satellite Communications Organization (Arabsat). The satellite’s launch and operation marked a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s space program and regional satellite communications history.

## Notable For
- First Saudi-built satellite in the Arabsat series.
- Utilized the Spacebus-3000A platform, a common design for geostationary communications satellites.
- Launched by the Ariane 44L rocket, a reliable European launcher for heavy payloads.
- Powered by a combination of solar arrays and an S400 engine, ensuring sustained operation.
- Part of the Arabsat fleet, which has since expanded to include more advanced satellites.

## Body
### Overview
Arabsat 2B is a communications satellite developed by Saudi Arabia as part of the Arabsat program. It was launched on November 13, 1996, aboard an Ariane 44L rocket from ELA-2. The satellite was built by Aérospatiale using the Spacebus-3000A platform, a common design for geostationary communications satellites.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 2,661 kg at launch, 1,570 kg dry.
- **Power**: Two spacecraft solar arrays and one S400 engine.
- **Orbit**: Geostationary, ensuring continuous coverage.
- **Space tug**: H10-3 was used for orbital adjustments.

### Launch and Operation
- **Launch date**: November 13, 1996, at 22:40 UTC.
- **Launch vehicle**: Ariane 44L (flight V92).
- **Operator**: Arab Satellite Communications Organization (Arabsat).
- **Country of origin**: Saudi Arabia.

### Significance
Arabsat 2B was a pivotal satellite in Saudi Arabia’s early satellite communications efforts, supporting television broadcasting, telephony, and data services across the Middle East and North Africa. Its geostationary orbit provided reliable coverage, contributing to the growth of satellite-based telecommunications in the region. The satellite’s launch and operation marked a significant achievement in Saudi Arabia’s space program and regional satellite communications history.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/arabsat-2a.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://www.satbeams.com/satellites?norad=24652)