# Solidaridad 2

> Mexican communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q2919723](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2919723)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/solidaridad-2

## Summary
Solidaridad 2 was a Mexican communications satellite launched in 1994 as part of Mexico's Solidaridad Satellite System. It was built by Hughes Aircraft Company and launched aboard an Ariane 44L rocket from ELA-2 to provide telecommunications services from geostationary orbit.

## Key Facts
- Launched on October 8, 1994 at 01:07:00 UTC from ELA-2
- Built by Hughes Aircraft Company using the Boeing 601 spacecraft bus
- Operated by Telecomm-Telégrafos for Mexican telecommunications
- Weighed 2,276 kg at launch (service entry mass: 1,641 kg)
- Equipped with R-4D thrusters and two solar arrays
- Had a spacecraft bus width of 2.7 meters and solar array length of 21 meters
- Part of the Solidaridad Satellite System alongside Solidaridad 1
- Positioned in geostationary orbit for telecommunications coverage
- Identified by COSPAR ID 1994-065A and NSSDCA ID 1994-065A

## FAQs
### Q: What was Solidaridad 2's primary purpose?
A: Solidaridad 2 was designed to provide telecommunications services for Mexico, including telephone, television, and data transmission capabilities from geostationary orbit.

### Q: Who operated Solidaridad 2?
A: The satellite was operated by Telecomm-Telégrafos, Mexico's national telecommunications company.

### Q: How was Solidaridad 2 launched?
A: It was launched aboard an Ariane 44L rocket (flight V-68) from the ELA-2 launch site on October 8, 1994.

## Why It Matters
Solidaridad 2 represented Mexico's second major communications satellite, significantly expanding the country's telecommunications infrastructure and reducing dependence on foreign satellite services. As part of the Solidaridad Satellite System, it provided critical connectivity for remote and rural areas of Mexico that lacked terrestrial infrastructure. The satellite enabled improved telephone service, television broadcasting, and data communications across the country, supporting economic development and social connectivity. Its successful deployment demonstrated Mexico's growing capabilities in space technology and its commitment to developing indigenous space assets for national benefit.

## Notable For
- Second satellite in Mexico's Solidaridad Satellite System
- First Mexican satellite built by Hughes Aircraft Company using Boeing 601 bus
- Provided Mexico's first domestic geostationary communications capability
- Featured advanced R-4D propulsion system for station-keeping
- Operated for extended service life from 1994 onward

## Body
### Technical Specifications
Solidaridad 2 was constructed using the Boeing 601 satellite bus, a proven platform for geostationary communications satellites. The spacecraft measured 2.7 meters in width for the bus section, with two solar arrays extending to 21 meters when deployed. The satellite was powered by two solar arrays and used R-4D thrusters for orbital maneuvering and station-keeping.

### Launch and Deployment
The satellite launched on October 8, 1994, at 01:07:00 UTC aboard an Ariane 44L rocket from the ELA-2 launch facility. The launch was designated as flight V-68. After successful deployment, Solidaridad 2 was positioned in geostationary orbit to provide telecommunications coverage for Mexico.

### Operational Characteristics
Operating under the control of Telecomm-Telégrafos, Solidaridad 2 provided various telecommunications services including telephone, television broadcasting, and data transmission. The satellite had a launch mass of 2,276 kg and a service entry mass of 1,641 kg, indicating the consumption of propellant for orbital positioning.

### System Context
As the second satellite in the Solidaridad Satellite System (following Solidaridad 1), this spacecraft expanded Mexico's space-based communications capabilities. The system was initiated in 1993 and represented Mexico's investment in developing independent telecommunications infrastructure through space technology.

## Schema Markup
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  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Solidaridad 2",
  "description": "Mexican communications satellite launched in 1994 as part of the Solidaridad Satellite System",
  "url": "https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/solidaridad-1.htm",
  "sameAs": [
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  "additionalType": "Satellite"
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## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/solidaridad-1.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](http://boeing.com/defense-space/space/bss/factsheets/601/solidaridad/solidaridad.html)