# GSAT0213

> navigation satellite in the Galileo constellation

**Wikidata**: [Q28058238](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q28058238)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gsat0213

## Summary
GSAT0213 is a navigation satellite that serves as a component of the Galileo constellation. It is a Galileo Full Operational Capability (FOC) model, also known by the alias Kimberley, and was launched on November 17, 2016, to provide global positioning services.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date:** November 17, 2016, at 13:06:55 UTC.
- **Classification:** Galileo Full Operational Capability (FOC) navigation satellite.
- **Manufacturers:** OHB System AG and Surrey Satellite Technology.
- **Launch Vehicle:** Ariane 5ES (Flight VA233).
- **Mass:** 733 kg (launch weight).
- **Design Life:** 12 years.
- **Orbit:** Medium Earth orbit with a semi-major axis of 29,599.8 km and an inclination of 56.0°.
- **Operator:** European Union Agency for the Space Programme.
- **Identification:** SCN 41861, COSPAR ID 2016-069C, and NSSDCA ID 2016-069C.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the alias of GSAT0213?
A: GSAT0213 is commonly referred to by the alias "Kimberley." It is also known as Galileo-FOC FM13, Galileo 17, GalileoSat-17, and Galileo FM13.

### Q: Who manufactured the GSAT0213 satellite?
A: The satellite was manufactured through a collaboration between OHB System AG and Surrey Satellite Technology.

### Q: How was GSAT0213 launched into space?
A: It was launched from the ELA-3 site on November 17, 2016, using an Ariane 5ES launch vehicle (flight VA233) and an EPS-V L10 space tug.

### Q: What are the technical specifications of GSAT0213?
A: The satellite has a launch weight of 733 kg, utilizes a SmartMEO spacecraft bus, and is powered by two spacecraft solar arrays.

## Why It Matters
GSAT0213 is an integral part of the Galileo constellation, which provides independent global navigation and positioning services. As a Full Operational Capability (FOC) satellite, it represents the matured model of the Galileo system, contributing to the network's ability to provide highly accurate timing and location data. Its 12-year design life ensures long-term operational stability for the constellation. The satellite is also notable for its association with Sol Plaatje University in Kimberley, South Africa, reflecting the naming convention used for satellites within this European space program. By maintaining a stable medium Earth orbit with zero eccentricity, GSAT0213 helps ensure the consistent global coverage required for modern navigation infrastructure.

## Notable For
- **Naming Origin:** Associated with Sol Plaatje University, a public university in Kimberley, South Africa.
- **Spacecraft Bus:** Built on the SmartMEO bus platform.
- **Power System:** Equipped with two independent spacecraft solar arrays for orbital power.
- **Launch Configuration:** Deployed as part of Ariane flight VA233 using the EPS-V L10 space tug.

## Body
GSAT0213 is a dedicated navigation satellite within the European Galileo constellation. It is classified as a Galileo Full Operational Capability (FOC) satellite, representing the standard production model used to populate the global positioning network.

### Technical and Orbital Specifications
The satellite operates in a medium Earth orbit (MEO) with the following parameters:
- **Semi-major axis:** 29,599.8 km.
- **Orbital Inclination:** 56.0°.
- **Orbital Eccentricity:** 0.0.
- **Design Life:** 12 years.

Physically, the satellite had a launch weight of 733 kg. It is powered by two solar arrays and utilizes the SmartMEO spacecraft bus.

### Launch History
GSAT0213 was launched on November 17, 2016, at 13:06:55. The launch took place at the ELA-3 launch site.
- **Launch Vehicle:** Ariane 5ES.
- **Mission Designation:** VA233.
- **Space Tug:** EPS-V L10 (serial number 594).

### Administration and Identification
The satellite is operated by the European Union Agency for the Space Programme. It is identified in various catalogs by the following designations:
- **SCN:** 41861.
- **COSPAR ID:** 2016-069C.
- **NSSDCA ID:** 2016-069C.
- **Wolfram Language Entity Code:** Entity["Satellite", "41861"].

The manufacturing of the unit was split between OHB System AG, responsible for the satellite bus and integration, and Surrey Satellite Technology, which provided the navigation payload. In the context of the Galileo system, it is also identified as Galileo-FOC FM13 and Galileo 17.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.gsc-europa.eu/system-status/orbital-and-technical-parameters)
2. [Source](https://www.gsc-europa.eu/news/countdown-a-month-to-go-to-galileos-next-launch)
3. [Source](http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraftDisplay.do?id=2016-069C)
4. Jonathan's Space Report
5. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/galileo-foc.htm)
6. [Source](http://www.arianespace.com/mission/ariane-flight-va233/)