# Eutelsat II F2

> decommissioned Eutelsat communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q1378833](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1378833)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/eutelsat-ii-f2

## Summary
Eutelsat II F2 was a decommissioned communications satellite operated by Eutelsat. Launched in 1991, it was part of the Eutelsat II series and operated in geostationary orbit. It was decommissioned in 2005 and moved to a graveyard orbit.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Communications satellite, geostationary satellite, derelict satellite
- **Operator**: Eutelsat
- **Launch date**: January 15, 1991, at 23:10:49 UTC
- **Launch vehicle**: Ariane 44L (flight V41)
- **Launch site**: ELA-2 (European Spaceport, Kourou)
- **Manufacturer**: Aérospatiale
- **Spacecraft bus**: Spacebus-2000
- **Launch mass**: 1,878 kg (at launch)
- **Service entry**: March 8, 1991
- **Payload mass**: 207.9 kg
- **Decommissioning**: November 2005 (moved to graveyard orbit)
- **Power source**: Spacecraft solar array (2 arrays, 3 kW total) and S400 (1 array)
- **Space tug**: H10 (for orbital maneuvers)
- **Aliases**: Eutelsat II F-2, Eutelsat-2 F2, Eutelsat-2 F-2, Eutelsat 2F2
- **COSPAR ID**: 1991-003B
- **NSSDCA ID**: 1991-003B

## FAQs
### Q: What was Eutelsat II F2 used for?
A: Eutelsat II F2 was a communications satellite designed to provide telecommunications services, primarily in geostationary orbit.

### Q: When was Eutelsat II F2 launched?
A: It was launched on January 15, 1991, at 23:10:49 UTC, aboard an Ariane 44L rocket from ELA-2.

### Q: Who operated Eutelsat II F2?
A: The satellite was operated by Eutelsat, a European telecommunications satellite operator.

### Q: What happened to Eutelsat II F2 after decommissioning?
A: After decommissioning in November 2005, it was moved to a graveyard orbit to avoid space debris.

### Q: What was the mass of Eutelsat II F2 at launch?
A: The satellite had a launch mass of 1,878 kg.

## Why It Matters
Eutelsat II F2 played a crucial role in early European satellite communications, providing television, telephony, and data services. As a geostationary satellite, it remained stationary over a fixed point on Earth, enabling continuous coverage. Its decommissioning in 2005 marked the end of its operational life, but its legacy contributed to the development of modern satellite communications infrastructure. The satellite’s move to a graveyard orbit also helped mitigate the risk of space debris, ensuring long-term safety for other spacecraft.

## Notable For
- **First in series**: One of the first satellites in the Eutelsat II series, designed to enhance European telecommunications.
- **Geostationary operation**: Maintained a fixed position in geostationary orbit for reliable service.
- **Spacebus-2000 platform**: Utilized the Spacebus-2000 spacecraft bus, a common design for European satellites.
- **Decommissioning procedure**: Followed standard practices by being moved to a graveyard orbit after retirement.
- **Powered by solar arrays**: Featured advanced spacecraft solar arrays for energy generation.

## Body
### Overview
Eutelsat II F2 was a decommissioned communications satellite operated by Eutelsat. It was launched on January 15, 1991, aboard an Ariane 44L rocket from ELA-2 in Kourou, French Guiana. The satellite was manufactured by Aérospatiale and used the Spacebus-2000 spacecraft bus.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 1,878 kg at launch, with a payload mass of 207.9 kg.
- **Power**: Equipped with two spacecraft solar arrays generating 3 kW and one S400 array.
- **Orbit**: Operated in geostationary orbit, providing continuous coverage over a fixed point on Earth.

### Operational History
- **Launch**: January 15, 1991, at 23:10:49 UTC.
- **Service entry**: March 8, 1991.
- **Decommissioning**: November 2005, moved to a graveyard orbit to prevent space debris.

### Identification
- **COSPAR ID**: 1991-003B
- **NSSDCA ID**: 1991-003B
- **Aliases**: Eutelsat II F-2, Eutelsat-2 F2, Eutelsat-2 F-2, Eutelsat 2F2

### Related Entities
- **Launch vehicle**: Ariane 44L (flight V41)
- **Space tug**: H10 (for orbital maneuvers)
- **Operator**: Eutelsat

### Classification
- **Communications satellite**: Designed for telecommunications.
- **Geostationary satellite**: Maintained a fixed position in geostationary orbit.
- **Derelict satellite**: Abandoned after decommissioning.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/eutelsat-2.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](http://www.tbs-satellite.com/tse/online/prog_eutelsat_2_car_pop.html)
4. [Source](http://www.tbs-satellite.com/tse/online/sat_eutelsat_2f2.html)