# Palapa B2R

> Indonesian communications satellite; refurbishment of Palapa B2

**Wikidata**: [Q12502231](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12502231)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/palapa-b2r

## Summary
Palapa B2R is an Indonesian communications satellite that was refurbished from the original Palapa B2. Launched in 1990, it was part of Indonesia's Palapa series of geostationary satellites, providing telecommunications services. The satellite was later renamed NewSat-1 in 2001 before being retired in 2005.

## Key Facts
- **Instance of**: Communications satellite and geostationary satellite
- **Launch date**: April 13, 1990, at 22:28 UTC from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17B
- **Launch vehicle**: Delta II (flight D-194)
- **Manufacturer**: Hughes Aircraft Company
- **Mass**:
  - Launch weight: 1,200 kg
  - Service entry weight: 692 kg
- **Dimensions**:
  - Height: 6.83 meters
  - Diameter: 2.16 meters
- **Power system**:
  - Solar array with 1,060 watts of power
  - Nickel–cadmium battery (2 units)
- **Operator**: Telkom Indonesia
- **Space tug**: PAM-D (Payload Assist Module-D)
- **Part of**: Palapa satellite series
- **Preceded by**: Agila-1
- **Followed by**: Palapa B4
- **Significant events**:
  - Refurbished between 1985 and 1990 by Hughes Aircraft Company
  - Renamed NewSat-1 in 2001
  - Retired in 2005 by being moved to a graveyard orbit

## FAQs
### Q: What was Palapa B2R used for?
A: Palapa B2R was an Indonesian communications satellite designed to provide telecommunications services, particularly for broadcasting and data transmission.

### Q: Who operated Palapa B2R?
A: The satellite was operated by Telkom Indonesia, Indonesia's state telecommunications company.

### Q: When was Palapa B2R launched?
A: Palapa B2R was launched on April 13, 1990, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17B aboard a Delta II rocket.

### Q: What happened to Palapa B2R after its initial mission?
A: After its initial mission, Palapa B2R was refurbished and later renamed NewSat-1 in 2001. It was retired in 2005 by being moved to a graveyard orbit.

### Q: What was unique about Palapa B2R's refurbishment?
A: Palapa B2R was refurbished between 1985 and 1990 by Hughes Aircraft Company, extending its operational life and capabilities.

## Why It Matters
Palapa B2R played a crucial role in Indonesia's early satellite communications infrastructure, providing essential services for broadcasting, data transmission, and telecommunications. As part of the Palapa series, it contributed to Indonesia's efforts to expand its communications capabilities and support national development. The satellite's refurbishment and subsequent renaming to NewSat-1 demonstrated the flexibility and adaptability of satellite technology in meeting evolving needs. Its retirement marked the end of an era for Indonesia's early communications satellites, paving the way for more advanced systems.

## Notable For
- **Refurbishment**: Palapa B2R was refurbished between 1985 and 1990, extending its operational life and capabilities.
- **Renaming**: The satellite was renamed NewSat-1 in 2001, reflecting its continued use and relevance.
- **Indonesian Communications**: Palapa B2R was a key part of Indonesia's early satellite communications network, providing essential services.
- **Technological Adaptability**: The satellite's refurbishment and renaming demonstrated the adaptability of satellite technology in meeting evolving needs.
- **Historical Significance**: Palapa B2R marked the end of an era for Indonesia's early communications satellites, contributing to the development of more advanced systems.

## Body
### Overview
Palapa B2R is an Indonesian communications satellite that was refurbished from the original Palapa B2. It was launched on April 13, 1990, aboard a Delta II rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17B. The satellite was manufactured by Hughes Aircraft Company and operated by Telkom Indonesia.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**:
  - Launch weight: 1,200 kg
  - Service entry weight: 692 kg
- **Dimensions**:
  - Height: 6.83 meters
  - Diameter: 2.16 meters
- **Power system**:
  - Solar array with 1,060 watts of power
  - Nickel–cadmium battery (2 units)
- **Space tug**: PAM-D (Payload Assist Module-D)

### Mission and Operations
- **Primary mission**: Providing telecommunications services, including broadcasting and data transmission.
- **Refurbishment**: The satellite was refurbished between 1985 and 1990 by Hughes Aircraft Company, extending its operational life.
- **Renaming**: In 2001, Palapa B2R was renamed NewSat-1 to reflect its continued use and relevance.
- **Retirement**: The satellite was retired in 2005 by being moved to a graveyard orbit.

### Significance
Palapa B2R was a key part of Indonesia's early satellite communications network, contributing to the expansion of telecommunications services in the country. Its refurbishment and renaming demonstrated the adaptability of satellite technology in meeting evolving needs. The satellite's retirement marked the end of an era for Indonesia's early communications satellites, paving the way for more advanced systems.

```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Palapa B2R",
  "description": "Indonesian communications satellite refurbished from Palapa B2, launched in 1990 and later renamed NewSat-1.",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q20570",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palapa_B2R"
  ],
  "additionalType": "CommunicationsSatellite"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/palapa-b.htm)
2. [Source](https://space.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/QuickLooks/palapabQL.html)
3. Jonathan's Space Report
4. [Source](http://boeing.com/defense-space/space/bss/factsheets/376/palapa_b/palapa_b.html)
5. [Source](https://www.satellitetoday.com/uncategorized/1999/09/10/piano-movers-in-the-sky-the-retrieval-of-westar-6-and-palapa-b2/)
6. [Source](https://www.flightglobal.com/commercial-contract-for-delta-iv/36910.article)
7. [Source](https://planet4589.org/home/legacy/space/book/html.old/commercial_s/domsat/rim/perumtel/1984-011D.html)