# Morelos 2

> former Mexican communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q5641574](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5641574)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/morelos-2

## Summary
Morelos 2 is a former Mexican communications satellite launched in 1985 as part of the Morelos Satellite System to provide telecommunications services. It was deployed via the Space Shuttle Atlantis and operated in geostationary orbit. The satellite was manufactured by Hughes Aircraft Company and played a key role in Mexico's telecommunications infrastructure.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: November 27, 1985, at 00:29:00 UTC.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Space Shuttle Atlantis (STS-61-B).
- **Manufacturer**: Hughes Aircraft Company.
- **Mass**: 1,140 kg (launch weight) and 646.5 kg (service entry).
- **Dimensions**: 6.62 m height, 2.16 m diameter.
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar arrays.
- **COSPAR ID**: 1985-109B.
- **Country**: Mexico.
- **Preceded By**: Morelos 1.
- **Aliases**: Morelos II, Morelos B, Illhuica 2.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Morelos 2?
A: Morelos 2 was designed to provide telecommunications services to Mexico, supporting national communication needs as part of the Morelos Satellite System.

### Q: How was Morelos 2 launched?
A: It was deployed from the Space Shuttle Atlantis during the STS-61-B mission, launching from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A.

### Q: Is Morelos 2 still operational?
A: No, it is classified as a "former entity," indicating it is no longer in active service.

## Why It Matters
Morelos 2 was a critical component of Mexico's early telecommunications infrastructure, marking the country's participation in the global satellite communication network. As part of the Morelos Satellite System, it facilitated domestic and international communications, contributing to economic and social development. Its launch aboard the Space Shuttle highlighted international collaboration in space technology, involving NASA and Hughes Aircraft Company. The satellite's geostationary design ensured continuous coverage, addressing Mexico's geographic challenges and fostering connectivity across the nation.

## Notable For
- **Part of Mexico's First Satellite System**: A key component of the Morelos Satellite System, inaugurated in 1985.
- **Space Shuttle Deployment**: Launched via the Space Shuttle Atlantis, demonstrating 1980s space technology cooperation.
- **Geostationary Operation**: Provided stable telecommunications services from a fixed orbital position.
- **Solar Power Utilization**: Equipped with solar arrays for sustained energy in orbit.

## Body
### Launch and Deployment
- **Date**: November 27, 1985, at 00:29:00 UTC.
- **Launch Site**: Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A.
- **Mission**: STS-61-B, the second flight of Atlantis, deploying Morelos 2 alongside other payloads.

### Technical Specifications
- **Spacecraft Bus**: Boeing 376.
- **Propulsion**: PAM-D space tug for orbital insertion.
- **Dimensions**: 6.62 m height, 2.16 m diameter.
- **Mass**: 1,140 kg at launch, 646.5 kg post-deployment.

### Mission and Operations
- **Orbit**: Geostationary, ensuring constant coverage over Mexico.
- **Services**: Telecommunications, including television, telephone, and data transmission.
- **Design Life**: Equipped for extended operational use, though specific duration is not detailed in sources.

### Legacy
- **Retirement**: Classified as a "former entity," with no active service date provided.
- **Succession**: Followed Morelos 1, with no direct successor named in the source material.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Morelos 2",
  "description": "Former Mexican communications satellite launched in 1985 as part of the Morelos Satellite System.",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q105730444",
    "https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morelos_2"
  ],
  "additionalType": "https://schema.org/Satellite",
  "manufacturer": "Hughes Aircraft Company",
  "launchDate": "1985-11-27",
  "countryOfOrigin": "Mexico"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/morelos-1.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](http://boeing.com/defense-space/space/bss/factsheets/376/morelos/morelos.html)