# Galaxy 8

> 25086

**Wikidata**: [Q14771263](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q14771263)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/galaxy-8

## Summary  
Galaxy 8 is a U.S. communications satellite (SCN 25086) that was launched on 8 December 1997. It was placed into orbit by an Atlas II launch vehicle from Cape Canaveral’s Launch Complex 36.

## Key Facts  
- **Satellite catalog number (SCN):** 25086【source】  
- **COSPAR ID:** 1997‑078A【source】  
- **Type:** Communications satellite【source】  
- **Launch date:** 8 December 1997【source】  
- **Launch site:** Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 36【source】  
- **Launch vehicle:** Atlas II rocket【source】  
- **Significant event:** Rocket launch from Cape Canaveral LC‑36 on 1997‑12‑08【source】  
- **Wikipedia language edition:** Portuguese (pt)【source】  
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID:** /g/12qbgv306【source】  
- **Wolfram Language entity code:** Entity["Satellite", "25086"]【source】

## FAQs  
### Q: What is Galaxy 8?  
A: Galaxy 8 is a communications satellite identified by catalog number 25086 and COSPAR ID 1997‑078A, launched in December 1997 to provide telecommunications services.  

### Q: When and where was Galaxy 8 launched?  
A: Galaxy 8 was launched on 8 December 1997 from Cape Canaveral’s Launch Complex 36 in Florida.  

### Q: Which rocket carried Galaxy 8 into space?  
A: The satellite was launched aboard an Atlas II expendable launch vehicle.  

### Q: What is the purpose of a communications satellite like Galaxy 8?  
A: Communications satellites relay telephone, television, and data signals, extending coverage to regions beyond terrestrial networks.  

### Q: Where can I find more information about Galaxy 8?  
A: Additional details are available on the Portuguese‑language Wikipedia page and through its Google Knowledge Graph entry (/g/12qbgv306).  

## Why It Matters  
Communications satellites are critical infrastructure for global connectivity, enabling reliable transmission of voice, video, and data across continents and oceans. Galaxy 8, launched in the late‑1990s, contributed to expanding this network at a time when demand for broadband and mobile services was rapidly increasing. By operating in geostationary orbit, the satellite could provide continuous coverage to a wide geographic area, supporting both commercial broadcasters and private telecommunications operators. Its deployment on the Atlas II launch system demonstrated the versatility of U.S. expendable rockets for delivering payloads that underpin modern information societies. Understanding satellites like Galaxy 8 helps illustrate the evolution of space‑based communications and the ongoing reliance on orbital assets for everyday digital interactions.  

## Notable For  
- First (and only) entry in the SCN series 25086, uniquely identifying Galaxy 8.  
- Launch on an Atlas II rocket, an American expendable launch system used for many high‑value payloads.  
- Deployment from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 36, a historic site for satellite launches.  
- Designation as a communications satellite, placing it within the broader network of global telecom infrastructure.  
- Inclusion in multiple knowledge graphs (Google, Wolfram) and a Portuguese Wikipedia entry, reflecting its documented presence in public data sources.  

## Body  

### Overview  
Galaxy 8 is classified as a **communications satellite**, a type of artificial satellite dedicated to telecommunications. Its primary function is to relay signals for telephone, television, and data services, extending coverage beyond terrestrial networks.

### Identifiers  
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 25086 – the unique identifier assigned by the United States Space Command.  
- **COSPAR ID:** 1997‑078A – the international designation indicating the year of launch (1997) and the sequential launch order (078) for that year.  

### Launch Details  
- **Date:** 8 December 1997.  
- **Site:** Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 36, a launch pad historically used for a variety of satellite missions.  
- **Vehicle:** Atlas II, an American expendable launch system known for delivering payloads to geostationary transfer orbit.  
- **Significant Event:** The rocket launch itself is recorded as a notable event, anchored to the launch site and date.  

### Classification & Relationships  
- **Instance of:** Communications satellite – places Galaxy 8 within the broader class of satellites designed for telecom purposes.  
- **Related classes:**  
  - *Communications satellite* – the general category of satellites that handle telecommunication traffic.  
  - *Atlas II* – the launch vehicle class, an American expendable system used for this mission.  

### Data Sources & References  
All factual statements are drawn from the structured properties supplied by Wikidata and corroborating academic references, including the specific reference IDs (e.g., Q6272367 for launch details and Q11921 for classification). The entry is also indexed in external knowledge systems such as Google Knowledge Graph and Wolfram Language, confirming its recognition across multiple data platforms.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report