# Intelsat 8

> communications satellite owned by Intelsat

**Wikidata**: [Q1665703](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1665703)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intelsat_8)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/intelsat-8

## Summary
Intelsat 8 is a communications satellite owned by Intelsat, originally operated by PanAmSat. Launched in 1998, it was placed into geostationary orbit to provide telecommunications services. It is also known by its aliases PAS-8 and PanAmSat 8.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: November 4, 1998 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Proton-K rocket ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Launch Site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 81/23 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Operator**: Originally PanAmSat ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328))  
- **Orbit**: Geostationary ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328))  
- **COSPAR ID**: 1998-065A ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328))  
- **Spacecraft Catalog Number (SCN)**: 25522 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Aliases**: PAS-8, PanAmSat 8  

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Intelsat 8?  
A: Intelsat 8 was designed as a communications satellite to provide telecommunications services from geostationary orbit.  

### Q: Who operated Intelsat 8?  
A: It was originally operated by PanAmSat before being owned by Intelsat.  

### Q: What rocket launched Intelsat 8?  
A: It was launched aboard a Proton-K rocket from Baikonur Cosmodrome.  

## Why It Matters  
Intelsat 8 played a critical role in global telecommunications by providing reliable geostationary satellite services. As part of the Intelsat fleet, it contributed to the expansion of international communications infrastructure, enabling data, voice, and broadcast transmissions across large regions. Its launch in 1998 marked another milestone in the commercialization of space-based communications, supporting both commercial and governmental needs. The satellite's geostationary positioning ensured consistent coverage for its service area, making it a key asset in the evolving satellite communications industry.  

## Notable For  
- One of the satellites in the Intelsat fleet, a major player in global communications.  
- Launched using the Proton-K rocket, a reliable Soviet-era launch vehicle.  
- Originally operated by PanAmSat, a significant satellite communications company before its acquisition by Intelsat.  

## Body  
### Launch and Deployment  
- **Launch Date**: November 4, 1998  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Proton-K with Blok DM-2M upper stage  
- **Launch Site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 81/23  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Orbit**: Geostationary  
- **Catalog Number (SCN)**: 25522  
- **COSPAR ID**: 1998-065A  

### Ownership and Operations  
- **Original Operator**: PanAmSat  
- **Current Owner**: Intelsat  
- **Aliases**: PAS-8, PanAmSat 8  

### Significant Events  
- **Rocket Launch**: Occurred on November 4, 1998, from Baikonur Cosmodrome.

## References

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