# SES-16/GovSat-1

> geostationary communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q19698450](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q19698450)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SES-16)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ses-16-govsat-1

## Summary
SES-16/GovSat-1 is a geostationary communications satellite launched in 2018, designed to provide telecommunications services. It was built by Orbital Sciences Corporation and operated by SES S.A. and GovSat, featuring a GEOStar-3 spacecraft bus and powered by a spacecraft solar array, two BT-4 thrusters, and four Hall-effect thrusters.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Communications satellite and geostationary satellite
- **Launch Date**: January 31, 2018, at 21:25 UTC from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40
- **Launch Vehicle**: Falcon 9 Full Thrust (Booster B1032.2)
- **Manufacturer**: Orbital Sciences Corporation
- **Operators**: SES S.A. and GovSat
- **Spacecraft Bus**: GEOStar-3
- **Mass**: 4,230 kg (launch weight)
- **Power System**: Spacecraft solar array (2), BT-4 thrusters (2), Hall-effect thrusters (4)
- **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit
- **Design Life**: 15 years
- **COSPAR ID**: 2018-013A
- **NSSDCA ID**: 2018-013A
- **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number)**: 43178

## FAQs
### Q: What type of satellite is SES-16/GovSat-1?
A: SES-16/GovSat-1 is a geostationary communications satellite designed for telecommunications, built on the GEOStar-3 spacecraft bus.

### Q: Who launched SES-16/GovSat-1?
A: The satellite was launched by SpaceX using a Falcon 9 Full Thrust rocket on January 31, 2018, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40.

### Q: What is the purpose of SES-16/GovSat-1?
A: The satellite provides telecommunications services, operated by SES S.A. and GovSat, with a design life of 15 years.

### Q: What propulsion system does SES-16/GovSat-1 use?
A: It is powered by a spacecraft solar array, two BT-4 thrusters, and four Hall-effect thrusters.

### Q: Where is SES-16/GovSat-1 located?
A: The satellite is in a geostationary orbit, maintaining a fixed position relative to Earth.

## Why It Matters
SES-16/GovSat-1 plays a crucial role in global telecommunications by providing reliable communications services. As a geostationary satellite, it ensures continuous coverage for its operators, SES S.A. and GovSat, supporting various applications including broadcasting, internet services, and government communications. Its launch via SpaceX's Falcon 9 Full Thrust demonstrated the growing collaboration between commercial space companies and satellite operators. The satellite's design life of 15 years and advanced propulsion system highlight its durability and efficiency in maintaining its position in space. This mission underscores the expanding capabilities of commercial satellite technology in supporting both civilian and government communications needs.

## Notable For
- **First Commercial Launch**: One of the first geostationary communications satellites launched by SpaceX.
- **Dual Operators**: Served both SES S.A. and GovSat, demonstrating versatility in satellite applications.
- **Advanced Propulsion**: Utilized a combination of spacecraft solar arrays and Hall-effect thrusters for efficient orbital maintenance.
- **Long Design Life**: Designed for 15 years of operation, ensuring sustained service.
- **GEOStar-3 Bus**: Built on Orbital Sciences Corporation's GEOStar-3 spacecraft bus, known for its reliability in geostationary missions.

## Body
### Overview
SES-16/GovSat-1 is a geostationary communications satellite launched on January 31, 2018, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 Full Thrust rocket. It was manufactured by Orbital Sciences Corporation and operates under the ownership of SES S.A. and GovSat. The satellite is part of the GEOStar-3 spacecraft bus family, designed for telecommunications services.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: The satellite has a launch mass of 4,230 kg.
- **Power System**: It is equipped with a spacecraft solar array, two BT-4 thrusters, and four Hall-effect thrusters for propulsion and orbital adjustments.
- **Orbit**: Positioned in a geostationary orbit, ensuring continuous coverage over a fixed region of Earth.
- **Design Life**: The satellite is designed to operate for 15 years.

### Launch and Deployment
- **Launch Date**: January 31, 2018, at 21:25 UTC.
- **Launch Site**: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Falcon 9 Full Thrust, specifically Booster B1032.2.
- **COSPAR ID**: 2018-013A.
- **NSSDCA ID**: 2018-013A.
- **SCN**: 43178.

### Operational Details
- **Operators**: SES S.A. and GovSat, providing telecommunications services.
- **Spacecraft Bus**: GEOStar-3, known for its reliability in geostationary missions.
- **Significant Event**: The rocket launch from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40 on January 31, 2018.

### Wikipedia and Additional Information
- **Wikipedia Title**: SES-16.
- **Wikipedia Languages**: Available in Czech, German, English, Luxembourgish, Portuguese, and Russian.
- **Description**: Geostationary communications satellite.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/ses-16.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://www.satbeams.com/satellites?norad=43178)