# DFS Kopernikus 2
**Wikidata**: [Q16061245](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16061245)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/dfs-kopernikus-2

## Summary
DFS Kopernikus 2 is a German communications satellite launched on July 24, 1990, as part of the DFS Kopernikus program. It was deployed using an Ariane 44L rocket from the ELA-2 launch site and serves telecommunications functions in geostationary orbit.

## Key Facts
- Launched on **July 24, 1990**.
- Part of the **DFS Kopernikus** satellite system.
- Launched from **ELA-2** (Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana).
- Launch vehicle: **Ariane 44L**.
- COSPAR ID: **1990-063B**.
- Instance of: **communications satellite**.
- SCN (Spacecraft Number): **20706**.
- Wikipedia coverage available in **Portuguese**.
- Google Knowledge Graph ID: `/g/1pz2twhfq`.

## FAQs
### Q: What is DFS Kopernikus 2?
A: DFS Kopernikus 2 is a German communications satellite launched in 1990 to support telecommunications services. It is part of the broader DFS Kopernikus program managed by Deutsche Fernsehfunk (DFS).

### Q: When was DFS Kopernikus 2 launched?
A: DFS Kopernikus 2 was launched on **July 24, 1990**, from the ELA-2 launch complex at Kourou using an Ariane 44L rocket.

### Q: What type of satellite is DFS Kopernikus 2?
A: DFS Kopernikus 2 is classified as a **communications satellite**, designed to relay signals for broadcasting and telecommunications purposes.

## Why It Matters
DFS Kopernikus 2 represents a key component of Germany’s early efforts in commercial and public-service satellite communications during the 1990s. As part of the DFS Kopernikus constellation, it contributed to enhancing broadcast capabilities across Europe, supporting both television and data transmission needs. Its successful deployment demonstrated the viability of European-built satellites and launch systems like the Ariane family, reinforcing Europe’s autonomy in space-based telecommunications infrastructure.

## Notable For
- Being part of the **DFS Kopernikus program**, one of Germany's major satellite initiatives in the early post-unification era.
- Using the reliable **Ariane 44L** launcher, showcasing cooperation with European aerospace industries.
- Assigned **COSPAR ID 1990-063B**, marking its official registration in global orbital databases.
- Registered under spacecraft number (**SCN**) **20706**, indicating its place within international tracking systems.
- Representing a milestone in **German civil and public-service satellite operations** during a transitional period in European history.

## Body

### Mission Overview
DFS Kopernikus 2 was developed as part of the DFS Kopernikus program, aimed at providing robust communication services for broadcasting and telecommunication applications over Europe. The satellite played a role in expanding access to high-quality signal distribution networks during the early 1990s.

### Technical Classification
The satellite is categorized as a **communications satellite**, fulfilling roles such as TV broadcasting, data relay, and secure government communications. It operates within the broader framework of civilian-use satellites managed by organizations involved in German public broadcasting.

### Launch Details
- **Launch Date**: July 24, 1990  
- **Launch Site**: ELA-2, Centre Spatial Guyanais, Kourou, French Guiana  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Ariane 44L  
- **Mission Type**: Commercial/civilian telecommunications  

This launch event marked another success for the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Ariane program, which dominated the commercial satellite launch market throughout the late 20th century.

### Identification Information
- **COSPAR ID**: 1990-063B  
- **Spacecraft Number (SCN)**: 20706  
- **Instance Of**: Communications Satellite  

These identifiers are used globally for cataloging and tracking objects in Earth orbit.

### Operational Context
As part of the DFS Kopernikus system, DFS Kopernikus 2 supported national and regional communication infrastructures during a time when digital broadcasting technologies were emerging. It helped bridge gaps in terrestrial network coverage while enabling more efficient use of bandwidth for media dissemination.

### Legacy and Documentation
Although limited online documentation exists in English, the satellite has entries in Portuguese-language Wikipedia and various technical databases including Wikidata and the Google Knowledge Graph. These resources preserve historical context around its mission profile and operational lifespan.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report