# Inmarsat-6 F2

> geostationary communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q25429241](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q25429241)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/inmarsat-6-f2

## Summary
Inmarsat-6 F2 is a geostationary communications satellite designed for telecommunications services. It was launched on February 18, 2023, by a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket from Cape Canaveral. The satellite experienced an electric power system anomaly on August 24, 2023, which was characterized as a failure.

## Key Facts
*   Inmarsat-6 F2 is classified as a geostationary communications satellite.
*   It was launched on February 18, 2023, at 03:59 UTC.
*   The satellite experienced an electric power system anomaly on August 24, 2023, leading to a failure.
*   Its launch mass was 5470 kilograms.
*   The satellite was manufactured by Airbus Defence and Space.
*   Inmarsat-6 F2 is operated by Inmarsat.
*   It was launched from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40.
*   The launch vehicle used was a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 (B1077.3).
*   It is powered by two spacecraft solar arrays.
*   Inmarsat-6 F2 follows its predecessor, Inmarsat-6 F1.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Inmarsat-6 F2?
A: Inmarsat-6 F2 is a geostationary communications satellite. It was designed to provide telecommunications services from its orbital position.

### Q: When was Inmarsat-6 F2 launched?
A: Inmarsat-6 F2 was launched on February 18, 2023, at 03:59 UTC. The launch took place from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40.

### Q: What significant event occurred with Inmarsat-6 F2 after its launch?
A: Inmarsat-6 F2 experienced an electric power system anomaly on August 24, 2023. This event was identified as a failure.

### Q: Who manufactured and operates Inmarsat-6 F2?
A: Inmarsat-6 F2 was manufactured by Airbus Defence and Space. Its operator is Inmarsat.

### Q: Which rocket was used to launch Inmarsat-6 F2?
A: Inmarsat-6 F2 was launched by a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket. SpaceX also served as the launch contractor for the mission.

## Why It Matters
Inmarsat-6 F2 was intended to be a crucial component of Inmarsat's global telecommunications network, providing advanced connectivity services from geostationary orbit. As a communications satellite, it was designed to facilitate telecommunications, which are vital for various sectors including maritime, aviation, government, and enterprise. Its launch represented an expansion of Inmarsat's capabilities, following its predecessor Inmarsat-6 F1. The satellite's significant launch mass of 5470 kilograms and its use of the Eurostar E3000 spacecraft bus highlight its advanced design and capacity. The subsequent anomaly in its electric power system, however, underscores the complexities and risks inherent in advanced space technology, impacting its intended operational lifespan and service provision. This event is significant for the satellite communications industry, demonstrating the challenges even with state-of-the-art spacecraft.

## Notable For
*   Being a geostationary communications satellite designed for advanced telecommunications services.
*   Its launch by a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5, a current version of a prominent orbital launch vehicle.
*   Following Inmarsat-6 F1 as part of a series of advanced Inmarsat satellites.
*   Experiencing an electric power system anomaly on August 24, 2023, which was characterized as a failure.
*   Its substantial launch weight of 5470 kilograms, indicating a large and capable spacecraft.

## Body

### Overview
Inmarsat-6 F2 is a geostationary communications satellite, an artificial satellite specifically designed for telecommunications. It was manufactured by Airbus Defence and Space and is operated by Inmarsat. The satellite is part of the Inmarsat-6 series, following Inmarsat-6 F1.

### Technical Specifications
*   **Aliases:** Inmarsat I-6 F2, GX 6B, I6-F2
*   **Launch Mass:** 5470 kilograms (launch weight)
*   **Power Source:** Two spacecraft solar arrays
*   **Spacecraft Bus:** Eurostar E3000 (stated as Eurostar-3000EOR)
*   **Orbital Position:** Geostationary orbit
*   **Identifiers:**
    *   SCN: 55683
    *   COSPAR ID: 2023-022A
    *   NSSDC ID: 2023-022A

### Launch Details
Inmarsat-6 F2 was launched on February 18, 2023, at 03:59 UTC. The launch originated from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40. The launch vehicle utilized was a Falcon 9 Block 5, specifically booster B1077.3. SpaceX served as the launch contractor for this mission.

### Operational Status and Anomaly
A significant event in the satellite's operational history is a failure that occurred on August 24, 2023. This failure was attributed to an electric power system anomaly.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/inmarsat-6.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Inmarsat-6 F2 Satellite Suffers ‘Unprecedented’ Anomaly. 2023](https://www.satellitetoday.com/technology/2023/08/24/inmarsat-6-f2-satellite-suffers-unprecedented-anomaly/)
4. [Viasat Provides Status of Inmarsat-6 F2. 2023](https://investors.viasat.com/news-releases/news-release-details/viasat-provides-status-inmarsat-6-f2)
5. [Source](https://www.satbeams.com/satellites?norad=55683)