# Galaxy 33

> communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q114645369](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q114645369)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galaxy_33)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/galaxy-33

## Summary
Galaxy 33 (also known as G-33 or Galaxy 15R) is a geostationary communications satellite operated by Intelsat. Manufactured by Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems using the GEOStar-3 bus, it was launched on October 8, 2022, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The satellite serves as a key asset for telecommunications services from geostationary orbit.

## Key Facts
- **Operator:** Intelsat
- **Manufacturer:** Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems
- **Launch Date:** October 8, 2022 (23:05 UTC)
- **Launch Vehicle:** Falcon 9 (Booster B1060.14)
- **Launch Site:** Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40
- **Satellite Bus:** GEOStar-3
- **Mass:** 3,654 kg (launch weight)
- **Orbit:** Geostationary orbit
- **COSPAR ID:** 2022-128A
- **SCN:** 54026
- **Country of Origin:** United States
- **Power Systems:** Spacecraft solar array (2 panels) and BT-4

## FAQs
### Q: When was Galaxy 33 launched?
A: Galaxy 33 was launched on October 8, 2022, at 23:05 UTC. It was sent into orbit from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40.

### Q: Who built and operates Galaxy 33?
A: The satellite was manufactured by Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems and is currently operated by Intelsat.

### Q: What rocket was used to launch Galaxy 33?
A: The satellite was launched aboard a Falcon 9 orbital launch vehicle, specifically utilizing booster B1060.14.

### Q: What type of satellite is Galaxy 33?
A: Galaxy 33 is a communications satellite located in geostationary orbit, designed to provide telecommunications services. It is built on the GEOStar-3 platform.

## Why It Matters
Galaxy 33 represents a significant component of Intelsat's modernized fleet, ensuring the continuity and enhancement of global telecommunications capabilities. Weighing approximately 3,654 kilograms at launch, it is a heavy-class satellite designed for longevity and robust performance in the geostationary belt. Its deployment is notable for utilizing SpaceX's flight-proven Falcon 9 rocket (booster B1060 making its 14th flight), highlighting the industry's reliance on reusable launch technology for deploying critical infrastructure.

The satellite is also referred to as Galaxy 15R, implying it serves as a replacement or augmentation for previous capacity in the Galaxy constellation. By operating from geostationary orbit, Galaxy 33 provides fixed coverage essential for broadcasting and data services, playing a vital role in connecting users across its coverage footprint. Its construction on the GEOStar-3 bus by Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems underscores a collaboration between major aerospace entities to maintain critical space infrastructure.

## Notable For
- **Fleet Replacement:** Serves as a replacement satellite, indicated by its alias "Galaxy 15R."
- **Reusable Launch:** Launched on the Falcon 9 booster B1060.14, marking the 14th flight for that specific booster.
- **Dual Launch:** Shared its launch event with the Galaxy 34 satellite.
- **Heavy Payload:** Possesses a significant launch mass of over 3.6 tons.
- **Advanced Platform:** Utilizes the GEOStar-3 spacecraft bus, a standard for reliable geostationary satellites.

## Body

### Development and Manufacturing
Galaxy 33 was constructed by **Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems** in the **United States**. It is based on the **GEOStar-3** spacecraft bus, a platform designed for reliable communications missions in geostationary orbit. The satellite has a listed launch mass of **3,654 kilograms**.

### Technical Specifications
The satellite's power system relies on a **spacecraft solar array** comprised of **2** panels. Additionally, the system includes a **BT-4** component for power or propulsion management. It is registered under the COSPAR ID **2022-128A** and the Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) **54026**. Alternative designations for the entity include **G-33**, **G33**, and **Galaxy 15R**.

### Launch and Deployment
Galaxy 33 launched on **October 8, 2022**, at **23:05** UTC. The launch took place at **Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40**. The payload was delivered to orbit by a **Falcon 9** launch vehicle manufactured by SpaceX. The specific first-stage booster used for this mission was **B1060.14**, indicating it was the booster's fourteenth mission.

The launch event is classified as a **rocket launch** and included the co-deployment of **Galaxy 34**. Following the launch, Galaxy 33 was positioned in **geostationary orbit** to begin its operational life under the management of **Intelsat**.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/galaxy-33.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report