# COMSATBw 2

> German geostationary communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q18327672](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q18327672)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/comsatbw-2

## Summary
COMSATBw 2 is a German geostationary communications satellite operated by the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) to provide secure military telecommunications. Launched on May 21, 2010, it utilizes the Spacebus-3000B2 platform and was manufactured by Astrium and Thales Alenia Space. It serves as a key component of the SATCOMBw program, designed for a service life of 15 years.

## Key Facts
*   **Operators:** Bundeswehr and German Space Operations Center.
*   **Launch Date:** May 21, 2010, at 22:01 UTC.
*   **Launch Vehicle:** Ariane 5 ECA (Flight V194).
*   **Orbit:** Geostationary orbit.
*   **Manufacturers:** Astrium (general contractor) and Thales Alenia Space (spacecraft bus).
*   **Platform:** Spacebus-3000B2.
*   **Mass:** 2,500 kg (launch weight); 1,040 kg (dry weight).
*   **Design Life:** 15 years.
*   **Identifiers:** COSPAR ID 2010-021B; SCN 36582.
*   **Alternate Names:** SATCOMBw 2B, SATCOMBw-2b.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary purpose of COMSATBw 2?
A: The satellite is designed exclusively for military satellite communications, providing secure and reliable telecommunications services for the German Bundeswehr.

### Q: When and how was COMSATBw 2 launched?
A: It was launched on May 21, 2010, at 22:01 UTC from the ELA-3 launch site at the Guiana Space Centre using an Ariane 5 ECA rocket.

### Q: Who built and operates COMSATBw 2?
A: Astrium served as the general contractor, while Thales Alenia Space provided the spacecraft bus. The satellite is jointly operated by the Bundeswehr and the German Space Operations Center.

## Why It Matters
COMSATBw 2 represents a critical capability for the German Armed Forces, ensuring independent and secure communication channels for military operations. As a geostationary satellite, it provides continuous coverage over specific geographic areas, which is essential for real-time command and control, reconnaissance, and data transmission. By operating its own dedicated military satellites (as part of the broader SATCOMBw system), Germany reduces its reliance on foreign or commercial satellite infrastructure, enhancing national security and operational sovereignty. The collaboration between Astrium and Thales Alenia Space on the robust Spacebus-3000B2 platform ensures a service life extending to 2025, covering a generation of military communication needs.

## Notable For
*   **Dedicated Military Use:** Specifically classified as a military satellite rather than a dual-use platform.
*   **International Collaboration:** While a German national asset, the bus was built by Franco-Italian Thales Alenia Space, highlighting European cooperation in defense technology.
*   **Rideshare Launch:** It was launched alongside the Astra 3B commercial satellite.
*   **High Capacity Platform:** Utilizes the Spacebus-3000B2, a platform typically used for high-power commercial and government communications.

## Body

### Development and Manufacturing
COMSATBw 2 was developed as part of the SATCOMBw program to provide the German Bundeswehr with autonomous, secure communication capabilities. The project was led by **Astrium** as the general contractor. The satellite's bus (the main structural and support component) was manufactured by **Thales Alenia Space** and is based on the **Spacebus-3000B2** model. Despite being a German military asset, the country of origin for the hardware is listed as France due to the involvement of Thales Alenia Space.

### Technical Specifications
The satellite has a launch mass of **2,500 kilograms** and a dry mass of **1,040 kilograms**. It is designed to operate for **15 years** in orbit. Power is generated using two **spacecraft solar arrays**. The satellite also utilizes an **S400** component (typically associated with propulsion or specific subsystems in this class of satellite).

### Launch and Deployment
COMSATBw 2 was successfully launched on **May 21, 2010**, at **22:01** from the **ELA-3** launch complex at the Guiana Space Centre. The launch vehicle was an **Ariane 5 ECA**, designated as flight **V194**. The deployment involved an upper stage space tug identified as **ESC-A H14.4**. It shared the launch vehicle with **Astra 3B**, a commercial communications satellite.

### Mission and Operations
Upon reaching orbit, the satellite received the COSPAR ID **2010-021B** and the Satcat number **36582**. It operates in a **geostationary orbit**, allowing it to maintain a fixed position relative to the Earth's surface for consistent coverage. Operations are managed jointly by the **Bundeswehr** and the **German Space Operations Center**. The satellite is also known by the aliases **SATCOMBw 2B** and **SATCOMBw-2b**.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/comsatbw-1.htm)
2. [Source](https://www.dlr.de/en/rb/research-operation/missions/communications/satcombw)
3. Jonathan's Space Report