# Galaxy 31

> communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q115194341](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q115194341)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/galaxy-31

## Summary
Galaxy 31 is a communications satellite operated by Intelsat, launched on November 12, 2022, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket. It is part of the geostationary satellite class and was manufactured by Maxar Technologies using the Lanteris 1300 spacecraft bus.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Communications satellite and geostationary satellite
- **Operator**: Intelsat
- **Launch date**: November 12, 2022, at 16:06 UTC
- **Launch site**: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40
- **Launch vehicle**: Falcon 9 Block 5 (Booster B1051.14)
- **Mass**: 3,300 kilograms
- **Manufacturer**: Maxar Technologies
- **Spacecraft bus**: Lanteris 1300
- **Power source**: Spacecraft solar array (2 arrays)
- **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit
- **Country of origin**: United States
- **Aliases**: Galaxy 23R, G-31, G31

## FAQs
### Q: What type of satellite is Galaxy 31?
A: Galaxy 31 is a communications satellite designed for telecommunications, operating in a geostationary orbit.

### Q: Who operates Galaxy 31?
A: Galaxy 31 is operated by Intelsat, a global satellite communications provider.

### Q: When was Galaxy 31 launched?
A: Galaxy 31 was launched on November 12, 2022, at 16:06 UTC from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40.

### Q: What is the mass of Galaxy 31?
A: Galaxy 31 has a mass of 3,300 kilograms.

### Q: Which company manufactured Galaxy 31?
A: Galaxy 31 was manufactured by Maxar Technologies using the Lanteris 1300 spacecraft bus.

## Why It Matters
Galaxy 31 plays a crucial role in Intelsat’s global communications network, providing reliable satellite services for broadcasting, broadband, and enterprise communications. As a geostationary satellite, it remains fixed over a specific location on Earth, ensuring continuous coverage. Its launch aboard a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket highlights the growing collaboration between SpaceX and commercial satellite operators. The satellite’s deployment supports Intelsat’s mission to deliver high-performance, secure, and scalable communications solutions worldwide.

## Notable For
- **First commercial launch of the Lanteris 1300 bus**: Galaxy 31 was the first satellite to use Maxar’s Lanteris 1300 spacecraft bus.
- **Geostationary communications**: Its position in geostationary orbit ensures uninterrupted service for its designated region.
- **SpaceX launch partnership**: The satellite’s launch on a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket marked a significant collaboration between SpaceX and Intelsat.
- **High-capacity design**: With a mass of 3,300 kg, Galaxy 31 is equipped to handle extensive communications traffic.
- **Solar-powered**: Its spacecraft solar arrays provide the necessary power for its operations.

## Body
### Overview
Galaxy 31 is a communications satellite operated by Intelsat, launched on November 12, 2022. It is part of the geostationary satellite class, meaning it remains fixed over a specific point on Earth’s equator, providing continuous coverage.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 3,300 kilograms
- **Spacecraft bus**: Lanteris 1300, manufactured by Maxar Technologies
- **Power source**: Two spacecraft solar arrays
- **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit

### Launch Details
- **Launch vehicle**: Falcon 9 Block 5 (Booster B1051.14)
- **Launch site**: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40
- **Launch date**: November 12, 2022, at 16:06 UTC

### Operator and Mission
- **Operator**: Intelsat
- **Primary mission**: Telecommunications, including broadcasting, broadband, and enterprise communications
- **Significance**: Supports Intelsat’s global communications network, ensuring reliable service for customers worldwide.

### Historical Context
- **First Lanteris 1300 launch**: Galaxy 31 was the inaugural satellite to utilize Maxar’s Lanteris 1300 spacecraft bus.
- **SpaceX collaboration**: The launch marked a partnership between SpaceX and Intelsat, leveraging SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket for commercial satellite deployment.

### Country of Origin
- **United States**: Galaxy 31 was developed and launched by U.S.-based entities, including Maxar Technologies and SpaceX.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/galaxy-31.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report