# Sirius 3

> communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q1397703](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1397703)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sirius-3

## Summary
Sirius 3 is a communications satellite launched on October 5, 1998. It was deployed into orbit using an Ariane 44L rocket from the ELA-2 launch site. Classified as an artificial satellite designed for telecommunications, it is identified by the international designator 1998-056B.

## Key Facts
*   **Classification:** Sirius 3 is an instance of a communications satellite, designed specifically for telecommunications purposes.
*   **Launch Date:** The satellite was launched on October 5, 1998.
*   **Launch Vehicle:** It was delivered to orbit by an Ariane 44L rocket.
*   **Launch Site:** The launch originated from the ELA-2 (Ensemble de Lancement 2) facility.
*   **COSPAR ID:** The satellite bears the international designation 1998-056B.
*   **Satellite Catalog Number:** It is tracked under the Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) 25492.
*   **Significant Event:** Its deployment involved a rocket launch event categorized as a "rocket launch" at the ELA-2 complex.
*   **Wikipedia Presence:** The entity has corresponding articles in German (de), Portuguese (pt), and Swedish (sv).

## FAQs
### Q: What type of satellite is Sirius 3?
A: Sirius 3 is a communications satellite. It is an artificial satellite specifically designed and used for telecommunications.

### Q: When and how was Sirius 3 launched?
A: Sirius 3 was launched on October 5, 1998. It was sent into orbit using an Ariane 44L rocket from the ELA-2 launch site.

### Q: What are the identifying codes for Sirius 3?
A: Sirius 3 is identified by the COSPAR ID 1998-056B and the Satellite Catalog Number 25492.

## Why It Matters
Sirius 3 represents a specific component of global communications infrastructure launched in the late 1990s. As a telecommunications satellite, its primary significance lies in its capability to facilitate long-distance data transmission, serving as a relay station in space. The mission highlights the utilization of the Ariane 4 series, specifically the Ariane 44L configuration, which was a workhorse for commercial and institutional payloads during that era.

The launch from ELA-2 places Sirius 3 within the historical context of the Guiana Space Centre's operations, a pivotal location for space access. In the broader field of spaceflight, entities like Sirius 3 are essential for maintaining the constellations that support global connectivity. The satellite's tracking via specific identifiers (SCN 25492 and COSPAR 1998-056B) underscores the rigorous cataloging required for space traffic management and orbital safety. While specific operational details are limited to its classification, its existence marks a successful integration of satellite technology and launch capability provided by the Ariane program.

## Notable For
*   **Telecommunications Function:** Designed specifically as an artificial satellite for telecommunications.
*   **Ariane 44L Deployment:** Utilized the Ariane 44L, a notable heavy-lift variant of the Ariane 4 rocket family.
*   **ELA-2 Origin:** Launched from the ELA-2 complex, a key historical launch pad.
*   **Multi-Language Documentation:** The satellite is documented across multiple Wikipedia language editions (German, Portuguese, Swedish), indicating international recognition.

## Body
### Identity and Classification
Sirius 3 is formally classified as a communications satellite. This categorization defines its primary function as an artificial satellite utilized for telecommunications relaying. In academic and structural databases, it is recognized as an "instance of" this class. The entity is also indexed within the Google Knowledge Graph with the ID `/g/121hx6lx` and is represented in the Wolfram Language entity system.

### Launch and Deployment
The satellite's journey to orbit is defined by a specific set of logistical and technical parameters:
*   **Date of Launch:** The mission took place on October 5, 1998.
*   **Launch Vehicle:** The flight was conducted using an Ariane 44L rocket. This vehicle is part of the Ariane 4 series, known for its reliability in deploying payloads during the 1990s.
*   **Launch Site:** The point of departure for the mission was ELA-2 (Ensemble de Lancement 2). This launch complex is famously associated with the Ariane family of rockets.
*   **Mission Event:** The deployment is recorded as a significant event classified as a "rocket launch," occurring at ELA-2 on the specific point in time of October 5, 1998.

### Technical Identifiers
To ensure precise tracking and identification within global space catalogs, Sirius 3 is assigned the following standard identifiers:
*   **COSPAR ID:** 1998-056B
*   **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 25492

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report