# SES-8

> geostationary Communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q7389860](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7389860)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SES-8)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ses-8

## Summary
SES-8 is a geostationary communications satellite manufactured by Orbital Sciences Corporation and operated by SES S.A. Launched on December 3, 2013, it was deployed into orbit using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral. The satellite has a takeoff mass of 3,170 kilograms and utilizes the GEOStar-2 spacecraft bus.

## Key Facts
- **Class:** Artificial satellite of the Earth; Communications satellite.
- **Operator:** SES S.A.
- **Manufacturer:** Orbital Sciences Corporation.
- **Launch Date:** December 3, 2013.
- **Launch Vehicle:** Falcon 9 (launched by SpaceX).
- **Launch Site:** Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40.
- **Satellite Bus:** GEOStar-2.
- **Mass (Takeoff):** 3,170 kilograms.
- **Orbit:** Geostationary orbit (Apoapsis: 35,806 km; Periapsis: 35,780 km).
- **Orbital Period:** 1,436.15 minutes.
- **COSPAR ID:** 2013-071A.
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 39460.

## FAQs
### Q: Who built and operates the SES-8 satellite?
A: The SES-8 satellite was manufactured by Orbital Sciences Corporation and is operated by SES S.A.

### Q: When and how was SES-8 launched?
A: SES-8 was launched on December 3, 2013, aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40. The launch contractor was SpaceX.

### Q: What are the technical specifications of SES-8's orbit?
A: SES-8 occupies a geostationary orbit with an apoapsis of 35,806 km and a periapsis of 35,780 km. It has an orbital inclination of 0.03 degrees and an orbital period of 1,436.15 minutes.

## Why It Matters
SES-8 serves as a critical piece of infrastructure in global telecommunications. As a geostationary communications satellite, it provides stable, long-term coverage from a fixed position relative to the Earth's surface, a capability essential for broadcast and communications networks. Its placement in orbit by SpaceX marks a specific logistical achievement in the deployment of heavy payloads (3,170 kg takeoff mass) using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite represents a collaboration between major aerospace entities—Orbital Sciences Corporation (manufacturer), SES S.A. (operator), and SpaceX (launch contractor)—highlighting the integrated nature of modern satellite deployment.

## Notable For
- Being a high-mass geostationary satellite (3,170 kg at takeoff).
- Utilizing the GEOStar-2 spacecraft bus platform.
- Operating with a near-zero orbital inclination of 0.03 degrees.
- Deployment via the Falcon 9 orbital launch vehicle.
- Identification by the COSPAR ID 2013-071A.

## Body
### Mission Overview
SES-8 is classified as an artificial satellite of the Earth designed specifically for telecommunications. It is part of the fleet operated by SES S.A. and was constructed by Orbital Sciences Corporation.

### Technical Specifications
The spacecraft relies on the GEOStar-2 bus system. It has a confirmed takeoff mass of 3,170 kilograms. The satellite is designed to maintain a geostationary orbit, demonstrated by its precise orbital parameters:
- **Apoapsis:** 35,806 kilometres
- **Periapsis:** 35,780 kilometres
- **Orbital Period:** 1,436.15 minutes
- **Inclination:** 0.03 degrees

### Launch Details
SES-8 was successfully launched on December 3, 2013. The mission utilized a Falcon 9 rocket, a partially reusable orbital launch vehicle manufactured by SpaceX in the United States. The launch originated from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40.

### Identifiers and Records
The satellite is tracked under the Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) 39460 and the international designator COSPAR ID 2013-071A. It is recorded as a significant event involving a rocket launch at the specified coordinates and time.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report