# EDRS-C

> geostationary communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q20056039](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q20056039)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/edrs-c

## Summary
EDRS-C is a geostationary communications satellite launched on August 6, 2019, as part of the European Data Relay System (EDRS). It serves as a critical component for near-real-time data relay between low-Earth orbit satellites and ground stations, enhancing global communications and Earth observation capabilities.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Communications satellite and geostationary satellite
- **Operator**: European Space Agency (ESA)
- **Launch Date**: August 6, 2019, at 19:30:07 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: Ariane 5 ECA (flight VA249)
- **Launch Site**: ELA-3, European Spaceport, French Guiana
- **Mass**: 3,186 kilograms
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array (2 arrays)
- **Manufacturer**:
  - General contractor: Airbus Defence and Space
  - Spacecraft bus: OHB System AG
  - Payload: MDA Space
- **Spacecraft Bus**: SmallGEO
- **Part of**: European Data Relay System (EDRS)
- **Aliases**: HYLAS 3, EDRS-C/HYLAS 3
- **Satellite Orbit**: Geostationary orbit
- **COSPAR ID**: 2019-049A
- **NSSDCA ID**: 2019-049A

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of EDRS-C?
A: EDRS-C is designed to relay data between low-Earth orbit satellites and ground stations in near-real time, supporting applications like Earth observation, disaster monitoring, and scientific research.

### Q: Who operates EDRS-C?
A: The European Space Agency (ESA) operates EDRS-C as part of the European Data Relay System (EDRS).

### Q: How was EDRS-C launched?
A: EDRS-C was launched on August 6, 2019, aboard an Ariane 5 ECA rocket from ELA-3 at the European Spaceport in French Guiana.

### Q: What is the significance of EDRS-C’s geostationary orbit?
A: Geostationary orbit allows EDRS-C to maintain a fixed position relative to Earth, enabling continuous communication coverage for data relay services.

### Q: What distinguishes EDRS-C from other communications satellites?
A: EDRS-C is part of the EDRS system, which provides laser-based data relay for low-Earth orbit satellites, offering faster and more efficient data transmission compared to traditional radio frequency systems.

## Why It Matters
EDRS-C plays a crucial role in the European Data Relay System (EDRS), which enhances global communications and Earth observation by enabling near-real-time data relay from low-Earth orbit satellites to ground stations. By leveraging geostationary orbit and advanced laser communication technology, EDRS-C supports critical applications such as disaster monitoring, climate research, and scientific missions. Its ability to provide continuous coverage and high-speed data transmission makes it indispensable for modern satellite communications and Earth observation systems.

## Notable For
- **Part of EDRS**: EDRS-C is a key component of the European Data Relay System, which uses laser-based communication to relay data from low-Earth orbit satellites to ground stations.
- **Geostationary Orbit**: Its fixed position in geostationary orbit ensures continuous communication coverage, critical for real-time data transmission.
- **Advanced Payload**: EDRS-C features a payload from MDA Space, enabling high-speed laser communication for efficient data relay.
- **Collaborative Manufacturing**: The satellite was built in collaboration between Airbus Defence and Space (general contractor), OHB System AG (spacecraft bus), and MDA Space (payload).
- **Support for Scientific Missions**: EDRS-C facilitates data transmission for Earth observation and scientific research, including disaster monitoring and climate studies.

## Body
### Overview
EDRS-C is a geostationary communications satellite launched on August 6, 2019, as part of the European Data Relay System (EDRS). Operated by the European Space Agency (ESA), it serves as a critical node for near-real-time data relay between low-Earth orbit satellites and ground stations.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 3,186 kilograms
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array (2 arrays)
- **Spacecraft Bus**: SmallGEO
- **Payload**: Developed by MDA Space, featuring laser communication technology for high-speed data transmission.

### Launch and Deployment
- **Launch Date**: August 6, 2019, at 19:30:07 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: Ariane 5 ECA (flight VA249)
- **Launch Site**: ELA-3, European Spaceport, French Guiana
- **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit, ensuring continuous communication coverage.

### Manufacturing and Collaboration
- **General Contractor**: Airbus Defence and Space
- **Spacecraft Bus**: OHB System AG
- **Payload**: MDA Space

### Role in EDRS
EDRS-C is part of the European Data Relay System, which provides laser-based communication for low-Earth orbit satellites. It supports applications such as Earth observation, disaster monitoring, and scientific research by enabling near-real-time data transmission.

### Identification and Tracking
- **COSPAR ID**: 2019-049A
- **NSSDCA ID**: 2019-049A
- **Aliases**: HYLAS 3, EDRS-C/HYLAS 3

### Significance
EDRS-C enhances global communications and Earth observation by facilitating high-speed data relay. Its geostationary position and advanced payload make it a critical asset for modern satellite communications and scientific missions.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/edrs-c.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report