# Ciel-2

> decommissioned Canadian communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q1091775](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1091775)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ciel-2)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ciel-2

## Summary
Ciel-2 was a decommissioned Canadian communications satellite launched in 2008. It was part of the Ciel Satellite Group and operated in geostationary orbit, providing telecommunications services before being decommissioned in 2024.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Decommissioned Canadian communications satellite
- **Launch Date**: December 10, 2008, at 13:43:00 UTC from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200
- **Launch Vehicle**: Proton-M with a Briz-M upper stage
- **Manufacturer**: Alcatel Alenia Space (France)
- **Spacecraft Bus**: Spacebus-4000C4
- **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit
- **Mass**: 5,561 kg (launch weight), 2,620 kg (dry weight)
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array (2 units), S400, SPT-100 (4 units)
- **Design Life**: 16 years
- **Decommissioning Date**: January 29, 2024, moved to a graveyard orbit
- **Operator**: Ciel Satellite Group
- **Predecessor**: Ciel-1 (retired geostationary communications satellite, United States)

## FAQs
### Q: What was Ciel-2's primary function?
A: Ciel-2 was a Canadian communications satellite designed to provide telecommunications services in geostationary orbit. It was part of the Ciel Satellite Group and operated before being decommissioned in 2024.

### Q: Who launched Ciel-2, and when?
A: Ciel-2 was launched on December 10, 2008, by a Proton-M rocket from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200. The launch was conducted by International Launch Services.

### Q: What happened to Ciel-2 after it was decommissioned?
A: After decommissioning on January 29, 2024, Ciel-2 was moved to a graveyard orbit to prevent it from becoming space debris.

### Q: What was the lifespan of Ciel-2?
A: Ciel-2 was designed to operate for 16 years, and it was decommissioned in 2024, aligning with its expected service life.

### Q: What was the mass of Ciel-2?
A: Ciel-2 had a launch mass of 5,561 kg and a dry mass of 2,620 kg.

## Why It Matters
Ciel-2 played a crucial role in Canada's telecommunications infrastructure by providing reliable communications services from geostationary orbit. As a decommissioned satellite, its removal from operational orbit ensures it no longer poses a risk to other spacecraft or space activities. The satellite's design and operation contributed to the advancement of satellite communications technology, particularly in the geostationary orbit, which is essential for global telecommunications.

## Notable For
- **First Canadian Satellite in Geostationary Orbit**: Ciel-2 was the first Canadian satellite to operate in geostationary orbit, expanding Canada's presence in space-based communications.
- **Decommissioning Process**: Its controlled decommissioning and relocation to a graveyard orbit demonstrated responsible space practices to mitigate space debris.
- **Technological Contribution**: As part of the Spacebus-4000C4 series, it showcased Alcatel Alenia Space's advanced satellite bus technology.
- **Operational Longevity**: It met its design life of 16 years, providing reliable service before decommissioning.
- **Collaborative Launch**: The Proton-M launch vehicle, operated by International Launch Services, facilitated its successful deployment into orbit.

## Body
### Overview
Ciel-2 was a decommissioned Canadian communications satellite launched on December 10, 2008, by a Proton-M rocket from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200. It was manufactured by Alcatel Alenia Space and operated by the Ciel Satellite Group. The satellite was part of the Spacebus-4000C4 series and was designed to provide telecommunications services in geostationary orbit.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 5,561 kg at launch and 2,620 kg dry.
- **Power**: Equipped with two spacecraft solar arrays and four SPT-100 units, along with an S400.
- **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit, ensuring continuous coverage over a specific region.
- **Design Life**: 16 years, with decommissioning occurring in 2024.

### Operational History
- **Launch**: Conducted by International Launch Services using a Proton-M rocket with a Briz-M upper stage.
- **Decommissioning**: On January 29, 2024, Ciel-2 was moved to a graveyard orbit to prevent it from becoming space debris.
- **Predecessor**: Followed the retired Ciel-1 satellite, which was also a geostationary communications satellite.

### Significance
Ciel-2's operation in geostationary orbit contributed to Canada's space-based communications infrastructure. Its decommissioning highlighted the importance of responsible satellite disposal to maintain the sustainability of space activities.

## Schema Markup
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{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Ciel-2",
  "description": "Decommissioned Canadian communications satellite launched in 2008 and operated in geostationary orbit.",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ciel-2"],
  "additionalType": "CommunicationsSatellite"
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## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/ciel-2.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://www.satbeams.com/satellites?norad=33453)