# Galaxy 26

> communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q5518102](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5518102)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galaxy_26)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/galaxy-26

## Summary
Galaxy 26 is a geostationary communications satellite originally launched in 1999 to provide telecommunications services. Operated by Intelsat, the satellite underwent several name changes—including Telstar 6 and Intelsat Americas 6—before its service retirement in June 2014.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date:** February 15, 1999, at 05:12:00 UTC.
- **Operator:** Intelsat.
- **Manufacturer:** Lanteris Space Systems.
- **Spacecraft Bus:** Lanteris 1300.
- **Launch Vehicle:** Proton-K rocket with a Blok DM-2M space tug.
- **Launch Weight:** 3,763 kilograms.
- **Orbit Type:** Geostationary orbit.
- **Service Retirement:** June 7, 2014.
- **Identification Codes:** COSPAR ID 1999-005A and SCN 25626.

## FAQs
### Q: What were the different names used for Galaxy 26?
A: The satellite was originally launched as **Telstar 6**. In July 2003, it was transferred to Intelsat and renamed **Intelsat Americas 6** (IA 6), and it was finally renamed **Galaxy 26** on February 1, 2007.

### Q: How was Galaxy 26 launched into space?
A: Galaxy 26 was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 81/23 using a Russian Proton-K carrier rocket. It utilized a Blok DM-2M space tug to reach its intended orbit.

### Q: What powered the Galaxy 26 satellite?
A: The satellite was powered by two spacecraft solar arrays and utilized an R-4D engine for propulsion and maneuvering.

## Why It Matters
Galaxy 26 served as a critical component of global telecommunications infrastructure for over 15 years. Its operational history reflects the broader evolution and consolidation of the satellite communications industry during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Originally part of the Telstar fleet, its transition to the Intelsat Americas series and eventually the Galaxy fleet illustrates the shifting assets and branding strategies of major satellite operators like Intelsat.

The satellite's longevity—spanning from its 1999 launch to its 2014 retirement—demonstrates the durability of the Lanteris 1300 spacecraft bus. By maintaining a stable position in geostationary orbit, it provided consistent data and communication relay services. Furthermore, its launch via a Russian Proton-K rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome highlights the international nature of space logistics, where American-manufactured hardware was frequently deployed using Russian launch services to reach geostationary altitudes.

## Notable For
- **Extended Service Life:** Remained operational for more than 15 years, surpassing many initial mission expectations before retiring in 2014.
- **Multiple Rebrandings:** Known by three distinct primary names (Telstar 6, Intelsat Americas 6, and Galaxy 26) throughout its lifecycle due to ownership transfers.
- **High Launch Mass:** Carried a significant launch weight of 3,763 kg, optimized for the Lanteris 1300 high-power bus.
- **International Deployment:** Represents a cross-border collaboration, being a Lanteris-built satellite launched from Kazakhstan on a Russian carrier rocket.

## Body

### Technical Specifications
Galaxy 26 was constructed by **Lanteris Space Systems** based on the **Lanteris 1300** spacecraft bus. At the time of launch, the satellite had a total weight of **3,763 kilograms**. For power and propulsion, the unit featured:
- Two independent spacecraft solar arrays.
- An **R-4D** engine system.

### Launch History
The satellite was successfully deployed on **February 15, 1999**. The launch took place at the **Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 81/23**. The mission utilized the following hardware:
- **Launch Vehicle:** Proton-K (serial number 396-01).
- **Upper Stage:** Blok DM-2M space tug.

### Operational Timeline and Naming
The entity is notable for its various designations throughout its 15-year lifespan:
- **1999–2003:** Operated as **Telstar 6**.
- **July 2003:** Transferred to **Intelsat** and renamed **Intelsat Americas 6** (also known as IA 6).
- **February 1, 2007:** Officially renamed **Galaxy 26** (G-26).
- **June 7, 2014:** The satellite reached its official **service retirement**.

### Identification and Tracking
Galaxy 26 is tracked under several international identification systems:
- **COSPAR ID:** 1999-005A
- **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number):** 25626
- **NSSDCA ID:** 1999-005A
- **Wolfram Language Code:** Entity["Satellite", "25626"]

## References

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