# MEXSAT-3

> Mexican communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q1658743](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1658743)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexsat-3)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mexsat-3

## Summary
MEXSAT-3 is a Mexican communications satellite launched in 2012 as part of the Mexican Satellite System (MEXSAT). Operated by the Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation, it provides telecommunications services from geostationary orbit.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: December 19, 2012, at 21:49:07 UTC.
- **Mass**: 3,050 kg (launch weight).
- **Operator**: Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (Mexico).
- **Manufacturer**: Orbital Sciences Corporation.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Ariane 5 ECA (flight VA-211).
- **Orbit**: Geostationary.
- **Spacecraft Bus**: GEOStar.
- **Power Source**: BT-4 battery and two solar arrays.
- **Predecessor**: Morelos 3.
- **Part of**: Mexican Satellite System (MEXSAT), inaugurated in 2010.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of MEXSAT-3?
A: MEXSAT-3 is a communications satellite designed to provide telecommunications services for Mexico, including voice, data, and video transmission.

### Q: When was MEXSAT-3 launched?
A: It was launched on December 19, 2012, aboard an Ariane 5 ECA rocket from ELA-3.

### Q: Who operates MEXSAT-3?
A: The satellite is operated by Mexico’s Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation.

### Q: What is the mass of MEXSAT-3?
A: The satellite has a launch mass of 3,050 kilograms.

### Q: What orbit does MEXSAT-3 occupy?
A: MEXSAT-3 is in geostationary orbit, allowing it to maintain a fixed position relative to the Earth’s surface.

## Why It Matters
MEXSAT-3 plays a critical role in Mexico’s national telecommunications infrastructure, ensuring reliable communications across the country, including remote and underserved regions. As part of the MEXSAT system, it supports government, military, and civilian applications, enhancing connectivity for emergency services, broadcasting, and internet access. The satellite’s geostationary position enables continuous coverage, reducing reliance on ground-based infrastructure and improving resilience against natural disasters. By expanding Mexico’s satellite capabilities, MEXSAT-3 contributes to economic development, national security, and digital inclusion.

## Notable For
- **First in Series**: Part of the modernized MEXSAT system, succeeding the earlier Morelos satellites.
- **High Capacity**: Designed to handle telecommunications needs for a large population.
- **Geostationary Orbit**: Provides stable, 24/7 coverage over Mexico.
- **Government Operation**: Managed by Mexico’s infrastructure and communications authority.
- **Advanced Bus**: Built on the GEOStar platform, known for reliability in communications satellites.

## Body
### Overview
MEXSAT-3, also known as MEXSAT Bicentenario, is a communications satellite developed for Mexico’s national satellite system. It was launched to replace and expand the capabilities of the Morelos 3 satellite, enhancing Mexico’s telecommunications infrastructure.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 3,050 kg at launch.
- **Power System**: Equipped with a BT-4 battery and two solar arrays for continuous operation.
- **Spacecraft Bus**: GEOStar, a platform designed for geostationary communications satellites.
- **Orbit**: Geostationary, allowing fixed coverage over Mexico.

### Launch Details
- **Date**: December 19, 2012.
- **Time**: 21:49:07 UTC.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Ariane 5 ECA (flight number VA-211).
- **Launch Site**: ELA-3, Guiana Space Centre.

### Operational Role
MEXSAT-3 is operated by the Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SCT) of Mexico. It supports a range of services, including:
- **Government Communications**: Secure channels for official use.
- **Emergency Services**: Reliable connectivity during disasters.
- **Broadcasting**: Television and radio signal distribution.
- **Internet Access**: Expanding digital connectivity in rural areas.

### Context Within MEXSAT System
The MEXSAT system was inaugurated in 2010 to modernize Mexico’s satellite communications. MEXSAT-3 is one of several satellites in this system, designed to work alongside others like Morelos 3 to ensure comprehensive coverage.

## Schema Markup
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  "description": "Mexican communications satellite launched in 2012 as part of the MEXSAT system.",
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## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/mexsat-3.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report