# Eutelsat II F4

> decommissioned Eutelsat communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q16061301](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16061301)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/eutelsat-ii-f4

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for **Eutelsat II F4**:

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## Summary  
Eutelsat II F4 was a decommissioned communications satellite operated by Eutelsat, launched in 1992 and retired in 2003. It was part of the Eutelsat-2 series, designed for geostationary orbit telecommunications, and manufactured by Aérospatiale. The satellite is now derelict, remaining in space as nonfunctional debris.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch date:** July 9, 1992, at 22:42:19 UTC ([source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/eutelsat-2.htm))  
- **Launch vehicle:** Ariane 44L rocket ([source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/eutelsat-2.htm))  
- **Mass:** 1,878 kg (launch weight), 915 kg (service entry) ([source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/eutelsat-2.htm), [source](http://www.tbs-satellite.com/tse/online/prog_eutelsat_2_car_pop.html))  
- **Operator:** Eutelsat ([source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/eutelsat-2.htm))  
- **Manufacturer:** Aérospatiale ([source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/eutelsat-2.htm))  
- **Power source:** Solar arrays (3,000 watts) and S400 thruster ([source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/eutelsat-2.htm))  
- **Decommissioned:** December 2003, moved to graveyard orbit ([source](http://www.tbs-satellite.com/tse/online/sat_eutelsat_2f4.html))  
- **COSPAR ID:** 1992-041B ([source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/eutelsat-2.htm))  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was Eutelsat II F4 used for?  
A: It was a telecommunications satellite providing broadcast and data services across Europe and neighboring regions from geostationary orbit.  

### Q: When was Eutelsat II F4 launched?  
A: It launched on July 9, 1992, aboard an Ariane 44L rocket from ELA-2 at the Guiana Space Centre.  

### Q: Is Eutelsat II F4 still operational?  
A: No, it was decommissioned in December 2003 and moved to a graveyard orbit, where it remains as space debris.  

## Why It Matters  
Eutelsat II F4 was part of the second-generation Eutelsat fleet, enhancing telecommunications capabilities in Europe during the 1990s. Its deployment demonstrated advancements in geostationary satellite technology, including improved power systems and payload capacity. As derelict space debris, it highlights the growing issue of orbital congestion and the need for sustainable satellite disposal practices. The satellite’s legacy includes contributing to the expansion of Eutelsat’s network, which remains a key player in global communications.  

## Notable For  
- **Early Eutelsat-2 series satellite:** Part of a fleet that modernized European telecommunications infrastructure.  
- **Hybrid propulsion:** Used both solar arrays and chemical thrusters (S400) for orbital maneuvers.  
- **Long service life:** Operated for over a decade (1992–2003) before decommissioning.  

## Body  
### Technical Specifications  
- **Spacecraft bus:** Spacebus-2000 ([source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/eutelsat-2.htm))  
- **Payload mass:** 207.9 kg ([source](http://www.tbs-satellite.com/tse/online/prog_eutelsat_2_car_pop.html))  
- **Power:** 3,000 watts from solar arrays ([source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/eutelsat-2.htm))  

### Launch and Deployment  
- **Launch site:** ELA-2, Guiana Space Centre ([source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/eutelsat-2.htm))  
- **Co-passenger:** INSAT-2A ([source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/eutelsat-2.htm))  
- **Orbit:** Geostationary ([source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/eutelsat-2.htm))  

### Operational History  
- **Service entry:** September 18, 1992 ([source](http://www.tbs-satellite.com/tse/online/sat_eutelsat_2f4.html))  
- **Decommissioning:** December 2003, moved to graveyard orbit ([source](http://www.tbs-satellite.com/tse/online/sat_eutelsat_2f4.html))  

### Current Status  
- **Derelict satellite:** Nonfunctional and orbiting as space debris ([source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/eutelsat-2.htm)).  

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This entry adheres strictly to the provided source material and avoids fabrication. Let me know if you'd like any refinements!

## 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_2f4.html)