# Eutelsat I F-3

> European communications satellite lost in a launch failure in 1985

**Wikidata**: [Q16547812](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16547812)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eutelsat_I_F-3)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/eutelsat-i-f-3

## Summary
Eutelsat I F-3 was a European communications satellite lost in a launch failure in 1985. It was part of the Eutelsat I series and was intended to provide telecommunications services across Europe.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: September 12, 1985, at 23:26:00 UTC.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Ariane 3 (V15).
- **Operator**: Eutelsat.
- **Manufacturer**: British Aerospace.
- **Mass**: 1,158 kilograms.
- **Spacecraft Bus**: ECS-Bus.
- **Powered By**: Spacecraft solar array (2 arrays).
- **Space Tug**: H10.
- **Preceded By**: Eutelsat I F-2.
- **Followed By**: Eutelsat I F-4.

## FAQs
### Q: What happened to Eutelsat I F-3?
A: Eutelsat I F-3 was lost in a launch failure on September 12, 1985.

### Q: Who operated Eutelsat I F-3?
A: The satellite was operated by Eutelsat, a European satellite organization.

### Q: What was the purpose of Eutelsat I F-3?
A: It was designed as a communications satellite to provide telecommunications services.

### Q: What rocket was used to launch Eutelsat I F-3?
A: The Ariane 3 rocket (V15) was used for the launch.

### Q: Who manufactured Eutelsat I F-3?
A: The satellite was manufactured by British Aerospace.

## Why It Matters
Eutelsat I F-3, though lost in a launch failure, was part of a significant series of European communications satellites aimed at enhancing telecommunications infrastructure. The failure highlighted the risks and challenges of space launches, contributing to improvements in launch vehicle reliability and satellite deployment strategies. The Eutelsat I series played a crucial role in establishing Europe's presence in the global satellite communications market, facilitating better connectivity and communication services across the continent.

## Notable For
- **Launch Failure**: One of the notable failures in the early years of European satellite launches.
- **Part of Eutelsat I Series**: Contributed to the development of Europe's telecommunications satellite network.
- **Manufactured by British Aerospace**: Showcased the capabilities of European aerospace manufacturers.
- **Powered by Solar Arrays**: Utilized advanced solar array technology for power generation in space.

## Body
### Overview
Eutelsat I F-3 was a communications satellite designed to provide telecommunications services. It was part of the Eutelsat I series, which aimed to enhance communication infrastructure in Europe.

### Launch and Failure
- **Launch Date**: September 12, 1985, at 23:26:00 UTC.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Ariane 3 (V15).
- **Launch Site**: ELA-1.
- **Outcome**: The satellite was lost due to a launch failure.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 1,158 kilograms.
- **Spacecraft Bus**: ECS-Bus.
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array (2 arrays).
- **Space Tug**: H10.

### Operational Context
- **Operator**: Eutelsat.
- **Manufacturer**: British Aerospace.
- **Preceded By**: Eutelsat I F-2.
- **Followed By**: Eutelsat I F-4.

### Significance
The loss of Eutelsat I F-3 underscored the complexities and risks associated with space launches. It contributed to the broader understanding of launch vehicle reliability and the importance of robust satellite deployment strategies. The Eutelsat I series, including Eutelsat I F-3, played a pivotal role in advancing Europe's telecommunications capabilities.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Eutelsat I F-3",
  "description": "European communications satellite lost in a launch failure in 1985.",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1376453", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eutelsat_I_F-3"],
  "additionalType": "CommunicationsSatellite"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/ecs-1.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sat/bae__ecs.htm)