# EchoStar II

> failed geostationary communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q18327698](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q18327698)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EchoStar_II)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/echostar-ii

## Summary

EchoStar II is a communications satellite[1].

## Summary
EchoStar II was a geostationary communications satellite that ultimately failed. Launched in 1996, it was part of the EchoStar fleet operated by EchoStar and manufactured by Lockheed Martin. It is now classified as a derelict satellite.

## Key Facts
*   EchoStar II was a failed geostationary communications satellite.
*   It was launched on September 11, 1996, at 00:00:59 UTC from ELA-2.
*   The satellite had a launch mass of 2885 kilograms.
*   Its failure occurred on July 14, 2008.
*   It was manufactured by Lockheed Martin and operated by EchoStar.
*   EchoStar II was launched aboard an Ariane 42P rocket.
*   It is classified as a communications satellite, a geostationary satellite, and a derelict satellite.
*   It was preceded by EchoStar I and followed by EchoStar III in the EchoStar fleet.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the primary purpose of EchoStar II?
A: EchoStar II was designed to be a geostationary communications satellite, intended for telecommunications services. It was part of the EchoStar fleet operated by EchoStar.

### Q: When did EchoStar II fail?
A: EchoStar II experienced a significant failure event on July 14, 2008. It is now considered a derelict satellite.

### Q: Who manufactured and operated EchoStar II?
A: EchoStar II was manufactured by Lockheed Martin, a company based in the United States. It was operated by EchoStar as part of their fleet of communications satellites.

### Q: When was EchoStar II launched?
A: EchoStar II was launched on September 11, 1996, at 00:00:59 UTC. The launch took place from the ELA-2 site aboard an Ariane 42P rocket.

## Why It Matters
EchoStar II is significant as an example of a geostationary communications satellite that ultimately failed. Its operational history, culminating in its failure on July 14, 2008, contributes to the understanding of satellite longevity and the challenges of maintaining spacecraft in orbit. As part of the EchoStar fleet, it represents a component of a larger commercial telecommunications infrastructure, highlighting the role of private companies like EchoStar and manufacturers like Lockheed Martin in space endeavors. Its classification as a derelict satellite underscores the growing issue of space debris and the long-term consequences of non-functional spacecraft in valuable orbital slots. The data surrounding its launch and failure provides valuable insights for future satellite design, mission planning, and orbital management strategies.

## Notable For
*   Being a failed geostationary communications satellite, with its failure occurring on July 14, 2008.
*   Its launch on an Ariane 42P rocket from ELA-2 on September 11, 1996.
*   Being part of the EchoStar fleet of communications satellites, operated by EchoStar.
*   Its manufacturing by Lockheed Martin, utilizing an AS-7000 spacecraft bus.

## Body

### Overview
EchoStar II was a geostationary communications satellite, identified by SCN 24313 and COSPAR ID 1996-055A. It was designed for telecommunications purposes and operated by EchoStar as part of its satellite fleet. The satellite was manufactured in the United States by Lockheed Martin. It is also known by the alias EchoStar 2.

### Launch and Specifications
EchoStar II was launched on September 11, 1996, at 00:00:59 UTC. The launch vehicle used was an Ariane 42P rocket (V91), which departed from the ELA-2 launch site. At launch, EchoStar II had a mass of 2885 kilograms, measured as its launch weight. The satellite was built around an AS-7000 spacecraft bus and was powered by two spacecraft solar arrays. It was designed to operate in a geostationary orbit.

### Operational History and Failure
The satellite was preceded in the EchoStar fleet by EchoStar I and was followed by EchoStar III. A significant event in its operational life was its failure, which occurred on July 14, 2008. Following this failure, EchoStar II is now classified as a derelict satellite.

### Classification and Identifiers
EchoStar II is categorized as a communications satellite, a geostationary satellite, and a derelict satellite. Its NSSDCA ID is 1996-055A.

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  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "EchoStar II",
  "description": "failed geostationary communications satellite",
  "sameAs": [
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  "additionalType": "communications satellite"
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## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/echostar-1.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](http://www.tbs-satellite.com/tse/online/sat_echostar_2.html)