# Telecom 2A

> communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q448641](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q448641)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/telecom-2a

## Summary
Telecom 2A is a communications satellite launched on December 16, 1991, to facilitate telecommunications services. It was deployed into space using an Ariane 44L rocket from the ELA-2 launch site.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Communications satellite (artificial satellite designed for telecommunications)
- **Launch Date:** December 16, 1991
- **Launch Vehicle:** Ariane 44L
- **Launch Site:** ELA-2
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 21813
- **COSPAR ID:** 1991-084A
- **Wolfram Language Entity Code:** Entity["Satellite", "21813"]
- **Aliases:** TELECOM 2A, تيليكوم ٢ آي

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary purpose of Telecom 2A?
A: Telecom 2A is an artificial communications satellite. It was specifically designed and launched to support telecommunications infrastructure from orbit.

### Q: When and how was Telecom 2A launched?
A: The satellite was launched on December 16, 1991. It was carried into space by an Ariane 44L rocket, which is a specific model within the Ariane 4 series.

### Q: What are the technical identifiers for Telecom 2A?
A: Telecom 2A is identified in satellite catalogs by the SCN value 21813. Its international COSPAR ID is 1991-084A, and it is recognized in the Wolfram Language as Entity["Satellite", "21813"].

## Why It Matters
Telecom 2A represents a significant component of the telecommunications infrastructure established in the early 1990s. As a dedicated communications satellite, it was part of a global effort to enhance data, voice, and video transmission through space-based technology. Its launch on December 16, 1991, utilized the Ariane 44L rocket, highlighting the importance of the Ariane 4 series in providing reliable access to orbit for commercial and governmental payloads during this era.

The satellite's deployment from the ELA-2 launch site marks a specific point in the history of European space operations. By serving as an "instance of" a communications satellite, Telecom 2A contributed to the broader network of artificial satellites that define modern connectivity. Its presence in international databases, such as the Satellite Catalog (SCN 21813) and COSPAR (1991-084A), ensures its continued relevance for orbital tracking and historical research. Furthermore, the entity's recognition across multiple languages—including French, Arabic, and Portuguese—reflects the international cooperation and impact inherent in satellite communications projects.

## Notable For
- **Launch Vehicle:** Utilized the Ariane 44L, a heavy-lift variant of the Ariane 4 rocket series.
- **International Tracking:** Assigned the unique Satellite Catalog Number 21813 and COSPAR ID 1991-084A for global identification.
- **Multilingual Documentation:** Recognized and documented across five different Wikipedia language editions, including Arabic and French.
- **Specific Launch Origin:** Associated with the ELA-2 launch complex, a key site for Ariane rocket missions.

## Body
### Technical Identification and Cataloging
Telecom 2A is tracked globally through several standardized identification systems. It is assigned the Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) 21813 and the COSPAR ID 1991-084A. In computational and academic contexts, it is referenced via the Wolfram Language entity code Entity["Satellite", "21813"]. The satellite is also known by the alias TELECOM 2A and the Arabic designation تيليكوم ٢ آي.

### Launch History
The launch of Telecom 2A occurred on December 16, 1991. This event is classified as a significant milestone for the entity.
- **Launch Vehicle:** The satellite was propelled by an Ariane 44L rocket.
- **Launch Site:** The mission originated from the ELA-2 start point.
- **Series:** The launch vehicle belongs to the Ariane 4 series, which is a recognized class of orbital rockets.

### Classification and Design
Telecom 2A is categorized as a communications satellite. This class of spacecraft is defined as an artificial satellite specifically designed for telecommunications. As an "instance of" this class, Telecom 2A was built to facilitate the transmission of signals across the Earth's surface, contributing to the global telecommunications network. Its documentation is maintained across five Wikipedia languages: Arabic, German, French, Polish, and Portuguese.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report