# NSS 10

> American communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q294623](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q294623)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AMC-12_(satellite))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/nss-10

## Summary
NSS 10 is an American geostationary communications satellite designed for direct-broadcast television services and home reception. Launched on February 3, 2005, it was manufactured by Alcatel Space and is currently operated by SES S.A. 

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date:** February 3, 2005, at 02:27:32 UTC.
- **Classifications:** Direct-broadcast satellite and geostationary satellite.
- **Manufacturer:** Alcatel Space (France).
- **Spacecraft Bus:** Spacebus-4000C3.
- **Launch Vehicle:** Proton-M with a Briz-M upper stage (space tug).
- **Launch Weight:** 4,953 kg (Dry weight: 2,286 kg).
- **Design Life:** 16 years.
- **Operator History:** SES Americom (2005–2007), SES World Skies (2007–2011), and SES S.A. (2011–present).
- **Identification Codes:** SCN 28526, COSPAR 2005-003A, and NSSDCA 2005-003A.

## FAQs
### Q: What are the alternative names for NSS 10?
A: NSS 10 has been known by several aliases throughout its operational history, including AMC 12, Worldsat 2, GE 1i, Americom 12, Astra 4A, and Star One C12. These names often reflect different commercial partnerships or changes in operator branding.

### Q: How was the NSS 10 satellite launched?
A: The satellite was launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 81/24 in Kazakhstan. It was carried by a Russian Proton-M heavy-lift launch vehicle utilizing a Briz-M space tug to reach its intended orbit.

### Q: What powers the NSS 10 satellite?
A: NSS 10 is powered by two spacecraft solar arrays. Its propulsion and station-keeping systems include one S400 engine and four SPT-100 plasma thrusters.

## Why It Matters
NSS 10 serves as a vital link in the global telecommunications infrastructure, specifically within the direct-broadcast satellite (DBS) sector. By maintaining a fixed position in geostationary orbit, it enables the consistent delivery of satellite TV broadcasts directly to home reception equipment. Its deployment represents a significant international collaboration in aerospace, combining French manufacturing expertise from Alcatel Space with Russian heavy-lift launch capabilities via the Proton-M rocket.

The satellite's operational history also mirrors the consolidation of the commercial satellite industry. Originally operated by SES Americom, it transitioned through SES World Skies before coming under the management of SES S.A. Its technical design, based on the Spacebus-4000C3 platform, was engineered for a 16-year service life, supporting high-capacity communications across multiple regions under various designations like Star One C12 and Astra 4A. This versatility has allowed it to serve diverse markets and fulfill various commercial contracts over nearly two decades.

## Notable For
- **Multi-Regional Branding:** Operates under numerous aliases such as Star One C12 and AMC 12 to serve different commercial markets.
- **Advanced Propulsion:** Utilizes a combination of S400 and SPT-100 thrusters for orbital maneuvering and station-keeping.
- **Heavy-Lift Heritage:** One of the payloads successfully deployed by the Russian Proton-M/Briz-M launch configuration.
- **Longevity:** Engineered with a 16-year design life to provide long-term stable communications from geostationary orbit.

## Body

### Launch and Orbital Placement
NSS 10 was launched on February 3, 2005, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 81/24. The mission utilized the Proton-M heavy-lift vehicle, a member of the Soviet/Russian Proton family of rockets. To achieve its final geostationary orbit, the satellite employed a Briz-M upper stage (space tug). Its orbital position allows it to remain stationary relative to a point on Earth, which is essential for direct-broadcast services.

### Technical Specifications
The satellite was constructed by Alcatel Space in France using the Spacebus-4000C3 spacecraft bus. 
- **Mass:** The spacecraft had a launch weight of 4,953 kg and a dry weight of 2,286 kg.
- **Power Systems:** It is equipped with two solar arrays for primary power generation.
- **Propulsion:** The craft features one S400 engine and four SPT-100 thrusters for precise orbital maintenance.
- **Design Life:** The manufacturer specified a design life of 16 years.

### Operational History and Ownership
The satellite's ownership and management have evolved alongside the corporate restructuring of its operators:
- **SES Americom:** Managed the satellite from its launch in February 2005 until March 2007.
- **SES World Skies:** Operated the craft from March 2007 until 2011.
- **SES S.A.:** Has been the preferred operator since 2011.

Throughout these transitions, the satellite has been marketed under various names, including GE 1i, Worldsat 2, and Americom 12. It has also been associated with the Astra and Star One satellite families through designations like Astra 4A and Star One C12.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/amc-12.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://www.satbeams.com/satellites?norad=28526)