# Intelsat III F-2

> Geostationary communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q14771245](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q14771245)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intelsat_III_F-2)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/intelsat-iii-f-2

## Summary  
Intelsat III F-2 is a geostationary communications satellite operated by Intelsat. Launched on December 19, 1968, it was part of the early generation of commercial communication satellites designed to provide global telecommunications services.

## Key Facts  
- **Operator**: Intelsat  
- **Launch Date**: December 19, 1968  
- **Launch Site**: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Delta M  
- **COSPAR ID**: 1968-116A  
- **Instance Of**: Communications satellite  
- **Wikidata Description**: Geostationary communications satellite  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is Intelsat III F-2?  
A: Intelsat III F-2 is a geostationary communications satellite launched in 1968. It was developed to support international telecommunications under the Intelsat program.

### Q: When was Intelsat III F-2 launched?  
A: The satellite was launched on December 19, 1968, from Cape Canaveral using a Delta M rocket.

### Q: Who operated Intelsat III F-2?  
A: Intelsat III F-2 was operated by Intelsat, an intergovernmental organization responsible for providing satellite communication services globally.

## Why It Matters  
Intelsat III F-2 represents a key milestone in the development of global satellite communications infrastructure. As part of the Intelsat III series, it contributed to expanding reliable and continuous transoceanic telecommunication links during the late 1960s and early 1970s. These satellites enabled live television broadcasts, telephone calls, and data transmission across continents, laying foundational groundwork for modern global connectivity systems used today.

## Notable For  
- Being among the first commercial geostationary communication satellites deployed by Intelsat  
- Supporting critical advancements in international telecommunications during the space age  
- Utilizing the proven Delta M launch system for orbital deployment  
- Contributing to the evolution of standardized satellite-based global broadcasting networks  

## Body  
### Overview  
Intelsat III F-2 belongs to the third generation of satellites developed by Intelsat for commercial use in global telecommunications. Designed with a focus on reliability and coverage, these satellites played pivotal roles in establishing permanent satellite relay capabilities between major world regions.

### Technical Context  
As part of the Intelsat III fleet, F-2 featured improvements over earlier models including enhanced power systems and signal processing units tailored for high-capacity long-distance transmissions. Its placement into a geostationary orbit allowed it to maintain fixed positions relative to Earth’s surface, ensuring stable communication pathways.

### Launch Details  
The satellite was successfully launched on **December 19, 1968**, at **Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17** using a **Delta M** expendable launch vehicle. This mission marked another step forward in operational consistency within the growing domain of commercial satellite launches.

### Operational Role  
Under operation by **Intelsat**, Intelsat III F-2 participated in delivering essential communication services such as voice traffic, television signals, and data exchange across multiple countries. Its service life supported both public and private sector needs throughout its active years.

### Legacy  
Though technologically surpassed by later generations, Intelsat III F-2 remains historically significant as part of the pioneering wave of commercial satellites that helped shape modern global communications architecture. Its successful missions demonstrated the viability of large-scale cooperative ventures in outer space utilization.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report