# Intelsat 801

> geosynchronous communications spacecraft

**Wikidata**: [Q1665705](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1665705)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intelsat_801)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/intelsat-801

## Summary  
Intelsat 801 is a geosynchronous communications spacecraft designed to provide telecommunications services from orbit. Launched in 1997, it was part of the Intelsat fleet that enabled global satellite communication networks.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch date**: March 1, 1997  
- **Launch site**: ELA-2 (Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana)  
- **Launch vehicle**: Ariane 44P rocket  
- **COSPAR ID**: 1997-009A  
- **SCN (Spacecraft Number)**: 24742  
- **Instance of**: Communications satellite  
- **Operator**: Intelsat Corporation  
- **Wikipedia languages**: Available in German, English, Polish, Portuguese  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is Intelsat 801 used for?  
A: Intelsat 801 is a geosynchronous communications satellite used to relay telecommunications signals across long distances. It supports services such as television broadcasting, internet connectivity, and voice communications globally.

### Q: When was Intelsat 801 launched?  
A: The satellite was launched on March 1, 1997. It was placed into orbit using an Ariane 44P rocket from the ELA-2 launch site at Kourou.

### Q: Who manufactured or operated Intelsat 801?  
A: Intelsat 801 was operated by the Intelsat Corporation, a major provider of satellite services. Specific manufacturer information is not included in the provided data.

## Why It Matters  
Intelsat 801 represents a key component in the evolution of global telecommunications infrastructure. As part of the Intelsat network—the world’s leading satellite operator—it helped bridge communication gaps between continents during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Its geosynchronous orbit allowed it to maintain constant coverage over specific regions, enabling reliable delivery of broadcast and data services. Satellites like Intelsat 801 were essential in connecting remote areas and supporting international media and business operations before fiber optic networks became widespread.

## Notable For  
- Part of the Intelsat constellation, which dominated commercial satellite communications in the late 20th century  
- Launched via the proven Ariane 44P rocket, reflecting European leadership in space launch capabilities at the time  
- Designed for geosynchronous orbit, allowing continuous service over fixed Earth regions  
- Identified with SCN 24742, COSPAR ID 1997-009A, and other standardized tracking identifiers  

## Body  
### Mission Overview  
Intelsat 801 was built as part of the eighth generation of Intelsat satellites, intended to expand capacity and improve reliability for global telecommunications services. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit approximately 35,786 kilometers above Earth, it maintained a fixed position relative to the surface, ensuring uninterrupted signal transmission.

### Launch Details  
The spacecraft was successfully launched on **March 1, 1997**, from the **ELA-2** launch complex at the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. It was carried into orbit by an **Ariane 44P** rocket, a variant of the Ariane 4 series known for its reliability in placing multiple payloads into geostationary transfer orbit.

### Technical Classification  
As a **communications satellite**, Intelsat 801 falls under the broader class of artificial satellites engineered specifically for relaying radio and microwave signals. These spacecraft serve critical roles in broadcasting, telephony, and internet services worldwide.

### Identifiers and References  
To facilitate tracking and cataloging, Intelsat 801 has been assigned several standard reference numbers:
- **COSPAR ID**: 1997-009A  
- **SCN (Spacecraft Number)**: 24742  
- **Wikidata Q-ID**: Q6272367  

These identifiers are used across databases and academic sources to uniquely distinguish the satellite among thousands of others in orbit.

### Operational Context  
While detailed performance metrics are not provided here, Intelsat 801 contributed to expanding bandwidth availability and enhancing redundancy within the Intelsat system—an interconnected web of satellites serving users across all inhabited continents. Its deployment marked continued investment in space-based infrastructure to meet growing demand for high-quality global communications.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report