# INSAT-2DT

> decommissioned Indian geostationary communications satellite, formerly operated by Saudi Arabia

**Wikidata**: [Q5972399](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5972399)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/INSAT-2DT)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/insat-2dt

## Summary  
INSAT‑2DT is a decommissioned geostationary communications satellite that was launched for Saudi Arabia in February 1992, later transferred to India in November 1997, and finally retired to a graveyard orbit in October 2004. It operated in the geostationary belt for more than 12 years, far exceeding its original 7‑year design life.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch date:** 26 February 1992 (23:58:10 UTC) 【launch_date】  
- **Launch vehicle:** Ariane 44L (flight V49) from ELA‑2 【launch_vehicle】  
- **Launch mass:** 1 360 kg (launch weight) 【mass】  
- **Spacecraft bus:** Spacebus‑1000 【spacecraft_bus】  
- **Manufacturers:** Aérospatiale and Messerschmitt‑Bölkow‑Blohm 【manufacturer】  
- **Operators:** Arab Satellite Communications Organization (1992‑1997) → Indian Space Research Organisation (1997‑2004) 【operator】  
- **Countries of operation:** Saudi Arabia (1992‑1997) → India (1997‑2004) 【country】  
- **COSPAR ID / SCN:** 1992‑010B / 21894 【cospar_id】【scn】  
- **Service life:** Designed for 7 years; actually served 12.6 years 【service_life】  
- **Decommissioning:** Moved to a graveyard orbit in October 2004 【significant_event】  
- **Aliases:** Arabsat‑1C, INSAT‑2R 【aliases】

## FAQs  
### Q: What was INSAT‑2DT originally built for?  
A: It was built as a Saudi Arabian geostationary communications satellite (originally known as Arabsat‑1C) and launched in February 1992.  

### Q: How did INSAT‑2DT become an Indian satellite?  
A: In November 1997 the satellite was transferred to the Indian Space Research Organisation and renamed INSAT‑2DT, extending its operational life under Indian control.  

### Q: When and why was INSAT‑2DT retired?  
A: The satellite was decommissioned and relocated to a graveyard orbit in October 2004 after completing more than 12 years of service, well beyond its 7‑year design life.  

### Q: What were the main technical specifications of INSAT‑2DT?  
A: It used the Spacebus‑1000 bus, had a launch mass of 1 360 kg, was powered by two solar arrays and an S400 system, and was launched on an Ariane 44L rocket.  

### Q: What is the significance of INSAT‑2DT’s service record?  
A: Its extended service life demonstrated the robustness of the Spacebus‑1000 platform and highlighted successful international satellite transfer and reuse.

## Why It Matters  
INSAT‑2DT illustrates the strategic value of satellite asset transfer and lifecycle extension across national space programs. Originally part of the Arabsat fleet, the satellite’s hand‑over to ISRO in 1997 allowed India to augment its communications capacity without the cost and lead time of a new launch. The satellite’s performance far outlasted its design expectations, providing over 12 years of reliable service—more than 5 years beyond its intended lifespan. This longevity underscored the durability of the Spacebus‑1000 bus and the effectiveness of ISRO’s operational management. Moreover, INSAT‑2DT’s decommissioning to a graveyard orbit set a responsible precedent for end‑of‑life disposal, contributing to sustainable space‑environment practices. Its story informs current discussions on satellite reuse, international cooperation, and the economics of extending satellite missions.

## Notable For  
- First Saudi‑owned communications satellite transferred to an Indian operator.  
- Achieved a service life of 12.6 years, surpassing its 7‑year design life by over 70 %.  
- Utilized the Spacebus‑1000 platform, showcasing its robustness for long‑duration geostationary missions.  
- Successfully relocated to a graveyard orbit, exemplifying responsible end‑of‑life satellite management.  
- Operated under two distinct national space agencies (Arab Satellite Communications Organization and ISRO) during its lifespan.

## Body  

### Overview  
INSAT‑2DT, also known as Arabsat‑1C or INSAT‑2R, is classified as a communications satellite, a geostationary satellite, and a derelict satellite after decommissioning. It was part of the Arabsat fleet before becoming part of the Indian National Satellite System.

### Launch and Early Operations (1992‑1997)  
- **Launch site:** ELA‑2, French Guiana.  
- **Vehicle:** Ariane 44L, flight V49.  
- **Date & time:** 26 Feb 1992, 23:58:10 UTC.  
- **Mass at launch:** 1 360 kg.  
- **Bus:** Spacebus‑1000, built by Aérospatiale and Messerschmitt‑Bölkow‑Blohm.  
- **Operator:** Arab Satellite Communications Organization (ASCO).  
- **Mission:** Provide telecommunications services for Saudi Arabia from a geostationary orbit.

### Transfer to India (1997‑2004)  
- **Transfer date:** November 1997.  
- **New operator:** Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).  
- **Renamed:** INSAT‑2DT (also INSAT‑2R).  
- **Country of operation:** India (1997‑2004).  
- **Part of:** Indian National Satellite System.  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Power system:** Two spacecraft solar arrays plus an S400 power unit.  
- **Space tug:** H10 (reference L421b) used for orbital adjustments.  
- **Orbit:** Geostationary orbit; later moved to a graveyard orbit for disposal.  

### Service Life and Decommissioning  
- **Design life:** 7 years (per manufacturer).  
- **Actual service life:** 12.6 years (per operational records).  
- **Decommissioning event:** Relocated to a graveyard orbit in October 2004, marking the end of its operational status.  

### Legacy  
INSAT‑2DT’s extended operational period and successful international hand‑over serve as a case study in satellite reuse and cross‑national collaboration. Its responsible disposal contributes to best practices for space debris mitigation.

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## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/arabsat-1a.htm)
2. [Source](http://www.tbs-satellite.com/tse/online/sat_arabsat_1c.html)
3. [Source](http://www.tbs-satellite.com/tse/online/sat_arabsat_1b.html)
4. Jonathan's Space Report