# SATCOM K2

> American communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q16061264](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16061264)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/satcom-k2

## Summary
SATCOM K2 is an American communications satellite launched on November 27, 1985, as part of the Space Shuttle Atlantis mission STS-61-B. It was deployed into geostationary orbit and operated by RCA Corporation, serving as a follow-up to the SATCOM K1 satellite.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: November 27, 1985, at 00:29:00 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: Space Shuttle Atlantis (STS-61-B mission)
- **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit
- **Operator**: RCA Corporation
- **Mass**: 1,900 kg at launch, 1,021 kg at service entry
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array (2 panels)
- **Space Tug**: PAM-D2 (used for deployment)
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **COSPAR ID**: 1985-109D
- **Aliases**: SATCOM K-2, SATCOM KU-2

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of SATCOM K2?
A: SATCOM K2 was a communications satellite designed to provide telecommunications services in geostationary orbit, following the SATCOM K1 satellite.

### Q: How was SATCOM K2 launched?
A: SATCOM K2 was launched aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis during the STS-61-B mission on November 27, 1985, from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A.

### Q: Who operated SATCOM K2?
A: SATCOM K2 was operated by RCA Corporation, which also manufactured the satellite.

### Q: What was the mass of SATCOM K2?
A: SATCOM K2 had a launch mass of 1,900 kg and a service entry mass of 1,021 kg.

### Q: What was the power source for SATCOM K2?
A: SATCOM K2 was powered by a spacecraft solar array consisting of two panels.

## Why It Matters
SATCOM K2 played a crucial role in the early development of satellite communications, providing reliable telecommunications services in geostationary orbit. As part of the SATCOM series, it followed the SATCOM K1 satellite, contributing to the expansion of global communication networks. Its deployment via the Space Shuttle Atlantis demonstrated the capabilities of reusable spacecraft for satellite launches. RCA Corporation's involvement in both the operation and manufacture of the satellite highlighted the company's role in advancing space-based communication technologies during the 1980s.

## Notable For
- **First Deployment via Space Shuttle**: SATCOM K2 was one of the first communications satellites deployed using the Space Shuttle, showcasing the shuttle's capabilities for satellite launches.
- **Geostationary Orbit**: It maintained a geostationary orbit, providing continuous coverage for telecommunications services.
- **RCA Corporation's Contribution**: The satellite was both operated and manufactured by RCA Corporation, underscoring the company's role in early satellite communications.
- **PAM-D2 Deployment**: The PAM-D2 space tug was used to deploy SATCOM K2, demonstrating the use of tugs for satellite placement in orbit.

## Body
### Overview
SATCOM K2 was an American communications satellite launched on November 27, 1985, as part of the Space Shuttle Atlantis mission STS-61-B. It was deployed into geostationary orbit and operated by RCA Corporation, serving as a follow-up to the SATCOM K1 satellite.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: The satellite had a launch mass of 1,900 kg and a service entry mass of 1,021 kg.
- **Power Source**: SATCOM K2 was powered by a spacecraft solar array consisting of two panels.
- **Space Tug**: The PAM-D2 space tug was used for its deployment.

### Launch and Deployment
- **Launch Date**: November 27, 1985, at 00:29:00 UTC.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Space Shuttle Atlantis (STS-61-B mission).
- **Launch Site**: Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A.

### Operator and Manufacturer
- **Operator**: RCA Corporation.
- **Manufacturer**: RCA Corporation.

### Orbit and Identification
- **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit.
- **COSPAR ID**: 1985-109D.

### Related Satellites
- **Predecessor**: SATCOM K1.

## Schema Markup
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  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "SATCOM K2",
  "description": "American communications satellite launched in 1985 as part of the Space Shuttle Atlantis mission STS-61-B.",
  "additionalType": "CommunicationsSatellite",
  "url": "https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/satcom-k1.htm",
  "sameAs": [
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## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/satcom-k1.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_stage/pam-d.htm)