# Galaxy 25

> communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q2402418](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2402418)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galaxy_25)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/galaxy-25

## Summary
Galaxy 25 is a geostationary communications satellite originally launched as Telstar 5 in 1997. It operated under multiple names (Intelsat Americas 5, Galaxy 25) and provided telecommunications services across the Americas.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: 1997-05-24 at 17:00:00 UTC from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 81/23  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Proton-K (configuration 380-02)  
- **Operator**: Intelsat  
- **Mass**: 3,600 kg (launch weight)  
- **Spacecraft Bus**: Lanteris 1300  
- **Manufacturer**: Lanteris Space Systems  
- **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit  
- **Aliases**: Telstar 5, Intelsat Americas 5, IA 5, G-25, G25  
- **Power Systems**: Spacecraft solar array (2 panels) and R-4D engine  

## FAQs
### Q: What was Galaxy 25 originally called?  
A: It was launched as Telstar 5 in 1997 before being renamed Intelsat Americas 5 in 2003 and finally Galaxy 25 in 2007.  

### Q: Who manufactured Galaxy 25?  
A: Lanteris Space Systems built the satellite using the Lanteris 1300 spacecraft bus.  

### Q: How did Galaxy 25 change ownership or naming?  
A: It was rebranded from Telstar 5 to Intelsat Americas 5 in July 2003 and renamed Galaxy 25 on February 1, 2007, while remaining operated by Intelsat.  

### Q: What propulsion system did Galaxy 25 use?  
A: It utilized a Blok DM-2M space tug for orbital maneuvers and was powered by R-4D engines and dual solar arrays.  

## Why It Matters
Galaxy 25 played a critical role in North American telecommunications infrastructure, enabling broadcast, broadband, and data services for over two decades. Its longevity and multiple rebrandings reflect the evolving commercial satellite market, transitioning from early Telstar branding to Intelsat’s consolidated Americas portfolio and finally to the Galaxy series. The satellite’s stability in geostationary orbit ensured reliable coverage for media and telecom providers, demonstrating the enduring value of well-maintained space assets in an increasingly connected world. Its operational history also highlights the strategic importance of satellite naming conventions in corporate branding and market positioning.

## Notable For
- **Longevity**: Operated continuously for over 25 years after its 1997 launch.  
- **Multiple Rebrandings**: Underwent three name changes (Telstar 5 → Intelsat Americas 5 → Galaxy 25) while maintaining service.  
- **Launch Configuration**: Deployed via a Proton-K rocket with a Blok DM-2M upper stage, a Soviet-era heavy-lift system.  
- **Power Design**: Combined dual solar arrays with an R-4D bipropellant engine for station-keeping.  

## Body
### Overview
Galaxy 25 is a geostationary communications satellite with the serial number 24812. It was part of the Intelsat fleet and served the Americas region under multiple designations. The satellite’s operational lifespan spanned from 1997 to at least the late 2010s, though specific decommissioning dates are not provided in the source material.

### Technical Specifications
- **Dimensions**: Not specified in source material.  
- **Mass**: 3,600 kg at launch (qualifier: launch weight).  
- **Power Systems**:  
  - Dual spacecraft solar arrays generating unspecified power.  
  - R-4D engine for orbital maneuvers.  
- **Spacecraft Bus**: Lanteris 1300 platform.  
- **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit (35,786 km altitude).  

### Operational History
- **Launch**: Occurred on 1997-05-24 at 17:00:00 UTC from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 81/23.  
- **Initial Name**: Telstar 5 (1997–2003).  
- **First Renaming**: Rebranded as Intelsat Americas 5 in July 2003.  
- **Second Renaming**: Renamed Galaxy 25 on 2007-02-01.  
- **Operator**: Consistently managed by Intelsat throughout its service life.  

### Key Events
- **Rocket Launch**: 1997-05-24 event at Baikonur Cosmodrome.  
- **Transfer**: Orbital transfer maneuver in July 2003 under Intelsat Americas 5 designation.  
- **Name Change**: Official renaming to Galaxy 25 on 2007-02-01.  

### Identifiers
- **COSPAR ID**: 1997-026A  
- **NSSDCA ID**: 1997-026A  
- **Freebase ID**: /m/0281ycn  
- **Wolfram Entity Code**: Entity["Satellite", "24812"]  

### Related Entities
- **Class**: Communications satellite, geostationary satellite  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Proton-K (configuration 380-02)  
- **Space Tug**: Blok DM-2M  
- **Manufacturer**: Lanteris Space Systems

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/telstar-5.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013