# SICRAL 1B

> Italian military communication satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q2206215](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2206215)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SICRAL_1B)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sicral-1b

## Summary
SICRAL 1B is an Italian military communication satellite launched on April 20, 2009, as part of Italy's SICRAL program. It is a geostationary satellite designed to provide secure communications for the Italian Ministry of Defence, succeeding the decommissioned SICRAL 1.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: April 20, 2009, at 08:15:59 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: Zenit-3SL (SL30 configuration)
- **Launch Site**: Odyssey platform (Sea Launch)
- **Operator**: Ministry of Defence of Italy (primary), Fucino Space Centre (project commissioning)
- **Mass**: 3,038 kg (launch weight)
- **Payload Mass**: 538 kg
- **Orbit**: Geostationary (satellite of geostationary orbit)
- **Service Life**: 14 years (design life)
- **Manufacturer**: Alcatel Alenia Space
- **Spacecraft Bus**: GeoBus
- **Power System**: Solar array (2 panels, 4,200 W EOL, 2,270 W BOL)
- **Propulsion**: S400 system
- **Predecessor**: SICRAL 1 (decommissioned)
- **Successor**: SICRAL 2

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of SICRAL 1B?
A: SICRAL 1B was designed to provide secure military communications for the Italian Ministry of Defence, ensuring encrypted and reliable satellite-based communication links.

### Q: How long was SICRAL 1B operational?
A: The satellite was designed for a 14-year service life, though its actual operational duration may have varied.

### Q: Who built SICRAL 1B?
A: SICRAL 1B was manufactured by Alcatel Alenia Space, a leading aerospace company based in Italy.

### Q: What type of orbit does SICRAL 1B use?
A: SICRAL 1B is a geostationary satellite, meaning it orbits at a fixed position relative to Earth's surface.

### Q: What was the launch vehicle for SICRAL 1B?
A: The satellite was launched using a Zenit-3SL rocket in the SL30 configuration, with Sea Launch as the launch contractor.

## Why It Matters
SICRAL 1B played a crucial role in Italy's military communication infrastructure, providing secure and reliable satellite links for defense and government communications. As part of the SICRAL program, it succeeded the earlier SICRAL 1 satellite and was succeeded by SICRAL 2. The satellite's geostationary orbit allowed for continuous coverage, supporting critical military operations. Its launch and operation were managed by the Italian Ministry of Defence, with Fucino Space Centre overseeing project commissioning. The satellite's design life of 14 years ensured long-term reliability, contributing to Italy's defense capabilities.

## Notable For
- **Military Communications**: Provided secure satellite-based communication for Italy's defense forces.
- **Geostationary Orbit**: Maintained a fixed position relative to Earth, ensuring continuous coverage.
- **SICRAL Program**: Part of Italy's SICRAL series, succeeding SICRAL 1 and preceding SICRAL 2.
- **Alcatel Alenia Space**: Built by a leading aerospace manufacturer, ensuring high reliability.
- **14-Year Design Life**: Long operational lifespan, supporting sustained military operations.

## Body
### Overview
SICRAL 1B is a military communication satellite developed by Italy for the Ministry of Defence. It was launched on April 20, 2009, aboard a Zenit-3SL rocket from the Odyssey platform. The satellite is part of the SICRAL program, which aims to provide secure and reliable communication links for military and government use.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: The satellite had a launch mass of 3,038 kg, with a payload mass of 538 kg.
- **Power System**: SICRAL 1B was equipped with a solar array consisting of two panels, providing 4,200 W at end of life and 2,270 W at beginning of life.
- **Propulsion**: The satellite used an S400 propulsion system for orbital adjustments and station-keeping.
- **Spacecraft Bus**: Built on the GeoBus platform, designed for geostationary missions.

### Orbit and Operation
- **Orbit**: Geostationary, ensuring continuous coverage over a fixed area.
- **Service Life**: Designed for 14 years of operational life.
- **Operator**: Managed by the Ministry of Defence of Italy, with Fucino Space Centre handling project commissioning.

### Predecessor and Successor
- **Predecessor**: SICRAL 1, which was decommissioned before SICRAL 1B's launch.
- **Successor**: SICRAL 2, launched to continue the program's objectives.

### Significance
SICRAL 1B was a critical component of Italy's military communication infrastructure, providing secure and encrypted satellite links. Its geostationary orbit and robust design ensured reliable communication for defense and government operations. The satellite's success paved the way for the SICRAL 2 mission, further enhancing Italy's space-based communication capabilities.

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  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "SICRAL 1B",
  "description": "Italian military communication satellite launched in 2009 as part of the SICRAL program.",
  "sameAs": [
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## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/sicral.htm)
2. [Source](https://www.dxsatcs.com/sites/default/files/ka%20band/druzice/Sicral%201b-11.8e/sicral-1b-11-8-east-ehf-shf-uhf-band-ka-band-reception-source-telespazio-italy.PDF)
3. Jonathan's Space Report