# Solidaridad Satellite System

> series of Mexican communications satellites

**Wikidata**: [Q6129691](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6129691)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/solidaridad-satellite-system

## Summary
The Solidaridad Satellite System is a series of Mexican communications satellites launched to provide telecommunications services, including television, telephone, and internet connectivity. Developed in 1993, the system includes two primary satellites, Solidaridad 1 and 2, operated by Mexico's state-owned telecommunications company. It played a key role in modernizing Mexico's telecommunications infrastructure.

## Key Facts
- **Country**: Mexico
- **Inception**: 1993
- **Components**: Solidaridad 1 (launched 1993) and Solidaridad 2 (launched 1994)
- **Operator**: Telecomm Mexico (now part of the Mexican Ministry of Communications)
- **Orbital Position**: 110° West longitude
- **Classification**: Spacecraft series; subclass of communications satellite
- **Manufacturer**: Hughes Aircraft (now part of Boeing)
- **Legacy**: Replaced by the Centenario satellite system in 2015

## FAQs
### Q: What is the Solidaridad Satellite System?
A: It is a series of Mexican communications satellites launched in the 1990s to support national telecommunications, including TV, phone, and internet services.

### Q: When were the Solidaridad satellites launched?
A: Solidaridad 1 was launched in 1993, and Solidaridad 2 followed in 1994.

### Q: Who operates the Solidaridad Satellite System?
A: The system was operated by Telecomm Mexico, a state-owned telecommunications company.

## Why It Matters
The Solidaridad Satellite System was pivotal in expanding Mexico's telecommunications capabilities during the 1990s, bridging connectivity gaps in rural and remote areas. By providing broadcast, telephony, and early internet services, it supported economic development, education, and emergency communications. As Mexico's first domestically operated satellite network, it reduced reliance on foreign infrastructure and laid the groundwork for later advancements in the country's telecom sector. The system's launch marked a significant investment in national infrastructure, reflecting Mexico's commitment to technological sovereignty.

## Notable For
- Mexico's first domestically operated communications satellite series.
- Provided critical telecommunications services during the 1990s–2010s, including TV broadcasting and rural connectivity.
- Operated from a strategic orbital slot at 110° West, covering Mexico and parts of North and South America.
- Built by Hughes Aircraft, a leading satellite manufacturer at the time.
- Successfully transitioned to the Centenario satellite system in 2015, ensuring continuity of services.

## Body
### Overview
The Solidaridad Satellite System was established in 1993 to meet Mexico's growing demand for telecommunications. The series comprised two geostationary satellites, Solidaridad 1 and 2, designed to deliver television, telephone, and data services across the country. The system was owned and operated by Telecomm Mexico, a state enterprise under the Ministry of Communications and Transportation.

### Components
- **Solidaridad 1**: Launched in 1993, it was positioned at 110° West and carried 18 Ku-band transponders.
- **Solidaridad 2**: Launched in 1994, it supplemented the first satellite with additional capacity, ensuring service continuity and redundancy.

### Launch and Operations
Both satellites were manufactured by Hughes Aircraft using the HS-393 bus platform. Solidaridad 1 was launched aboard an Ariane 4 rocket, while Solidaridad 2 used a Delta II launcher. The system operated for over two decades before being phased out in favor of the newer Centenario satellite in 2015.

### Technical Specifications
- **Orbital Position**: 110° West longitude (geostationary orbit)
- **Payload**: 18 Ku-band transponders per satellite
- **Coverage**: Mexico, with extended coverage to parts of North and South America
- **Launch Vehicles**: Ariane 4 (Solidaridad 1), Delta II (Solidaridad 2)

### Legacy
The Solidaridad system bridged a critical gap in Mexico's telecommunications infrastructure, enabling nationwide broadcasting and contributing to the country's digital inclusion efforts. Its success demonstrated the viability of state-led satellite projects and paved the way for future investments in space-based communications, including the Centenario and Mexsat systems.