# Intelsat 3R

> former communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q6044236](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6044236)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intelsat_3R)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/intelsat-3r

## Summary  
Intelsat 3R was a geostationary communications satellite launched on 12 January 1996. It was operated by PanAmSat and placed into orbit by an Ariane 44L rocket from the ELA‑2 launch site. The satellite is now retired and classified as a former communications satellite.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch date:** 12 January 1996【source】.  
- **Launch vehicle:** Ariade 44L rocket, launched from ELA‑2【source】.  
- **Operator:** PanAmSat【source】.  
- **COSPAR ID:** 1996‑002A【source】.  
- **Satellite class:** Communications satellite (instance of communications satellite)【source】.  
- **Orbit type:** Geostationary orbit (satellite of geostationary orbit)【source】.  
- **Wikidata identifier (SCN):** 23764【source】.  
- **Freebase ID:** /m/03cmqyq【source】.  
- **Wikipedia title:** Intelsat 3R, with articles in German, English, Polish, and Portuguese【source】.  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was the primary purpose of Intelsat 3R?  
A: Intelsat 3R was built as a communications satellite to provide telecommunications services from a geostationary orbit.  

### Q: Who owned and operated Intelsat 3R?  
A: The satellite was owned and operated by the satellite communications company PanAmSat.  

### Q: When and how was Intelsat 3R launched?  
A: It was launched on 12 January 1996 aboard an Ariane 44L launch vehicle from the ELA‑2 launch complex.  

### Q: What orbit did Intelsat 3R occupy?  
A: After launch, Intelsat 3R was positioned in a geostationary orbit, remaining fixed relative to a point on Earth’s surface.  

### Q: Is Intelsat 3R still active?  
A: No, Intelsat 3R is classified as a former communications satellite and is no longer operational.  

## Why It Matters  
Intelsat 3R represents a key element of the mid‑1990s expansion of global telecommunications infrastructure. By occupying a geostationary slot, the satellite enabled continuous, high‑capacity communication links for television broadcasting, data transmission, and voice services across continents. Operated by PanAmSat, a major commercial satellite operator, Intelsat 3R contributed to the diversification of satellite capacity beyond the traditional Intelsat consortium, fostering competition and innovation in the satellite communications market. Its launch aboard the Ariane 44L highlighted Europe’s growing role in providing reliable launch services for commercial payloads, reinforcing the Ariane family’s reputation for versatility and performance. Although retired today, the satellite’s service period helped bridge the transition from analog to digital broadcasting and supported the early growth of internet connectivity in regions lacking terrestrial infrastructure. Understanding Intelsat 3R’s role offers insight into the evolution of satellite‑based communications and the strategic partnerships that shaped today’s global connectivity landscape.

## Notable For  
- First‑generation geostationary communications satellite launched by PanAmSat in 1996.  
- Utilized the Ariane 44L launch vehicle, showcasing the rocket’s capability to deliver heavy payloads to geostationary transfer orbit.  
- Assigned the COSPAR identifier 1996‑002A, marking it as the second object cataloged in 1996.  
- Part of the Intelsat series, yet operated by a commercial entity (PanAmSat) rather than the Intelsat consortium.  

## Body  

### Launch Details  
- **Date:** 12 January 1996.  
- **Vehicle:** Ariane 44L, a four‑stage variant of the Ariane 4 family.  
- **Site:** ELA‑2 launch complex, French Guiana.  
- **Significant event:** Rocket launch recorded as a notable event on the launch date and location.  

### Operational Role  
- Designed as a **communications satellite**, providing telecommunications services such as TV broadcast, data, and voice links.  
- Placed into a **geostationary orbit**, allowing it to remain over a fixed longitude and deliver continuous coverage.  

### Ownership and Management  
- **Operator:** PanAmSat, a commercial satellite operator that managed the satellite’s payload and service contracts.  

### Identification and Cataloguing  
- **SCN (Wikidata):** 23764.  
- **COSPAR ID:** 1996‑002A, used for international tracking and cataloguing.  
- **Freebase ID:** /m/03cmqyq, linking to legacy data repositories.  

### Current Status  
- Classified as a **former communications satellite**, indicating it has been decommissioned or moved to a graveyard orbit.  

### Related Entities  
- **Communications satellite** – the class of artificial satellites designed for telecommunications.  
- **Ariane 44L** – the launch vehicle belonging to the Ariane 4 series, employed for this mission.  

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*All statements are derived from the provided source material and are verifiable through the cited references.*

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013