# Telstar 12

> Canadian communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q1508863](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1508863)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telstar_12)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/telstar-12

## Summary
Telstar 12 is a Canadian communications satellite operated by Telesat that was launched on October 19, 1999, aboard an Ariane 44LP rocket from ELA-2. The satellite operates in geostationary orbit and is also known as Orion 2.

## Key Facts
- Telstar 12 is a Canadian communications satellite in the geostationary orbit class
- It was launched on October 19, 1999, from ELA-2 using an Ariane 44LP rocket
- The satellite is operated by Telesat and is part of the Orion satellite system
- Telstar 12 also goes by the alias Orion 2
- It has a COSPAR ID of 1999-059A and a SCN of 25949
- The satellite has Wikipedia entries in 6 languages: German, English, Esperanto, Italian, Polish, and Portuguese

## FAQs
### Q: When was Telstar 12 launched?
A: Telstar 12 was launched on October 19, 1999, aboard an Ariane 44LP rocket from ELA-2.

### Q: What is Telstar 12 used for?
A: Telstar 12 is a communications satellite designed for telecommunications purposes, operating in geostationary orbit.

### Q: Which company operates Telstar 12?
A: Telstar 12 is operated by Telesat, a Canadian satellite communications company.

### Q: What other names is Telstar 12 known by?
A: Telstar 12 is also known as Orion 2, as it is part of the Orion satellite system.

## Why It Matters
Telstar 12 represents a critical infrastructure component in global telecommunications networks. As a geostationary communications satellite, it provides essential connectivity services across vast geographic regions, enabling television broadcasting, internet connectivity, and other telecommunications services in areas where terrestrial infrastructure is limited or unavailable. Operated by Telesat, one of the world's leading satellite communication providers, Telstar 12 demonstrates the continuing importance of satellite technology in bridging communication gaps and supporting the global information infrastructure.

## Notable For
- Part of the Orion satellite system, also known as Orion 2
- Launched using an Ariane 44LP rocket from ELA-2 on October 19, 1999
- Has Wikipedia presence in 6 languages, indicating international recognition
- Operated by Telesat, a Canadian satellite communications company
- Positioned in geostationary orbit, providing continuous coverage to assigned regions

## Body
### Overview
Telstar 12 is a Canadian communications satellite that operates in geostationary orbit. The satellite was launched on October 19, 1999, using an Ariane 44LP rocket from the ELA-2 launch complex. It is part of the Orion satellite system and is also known by the alias Orion 2.

### Technical Specifications
- Class: Communications satellite, Geostationary satellite
- Operator: Telesat
- COSPAR ID: 1999-059A
- SCN: 25949
- Freebase ID: /m/03cmh9n
- Wikipedia presence: Articles in German, English, Esperanto, Italian, Polish, and Portuguese
- Sitelink count: 6

### Launch Details
- Launch date: October 19, 1999
- Launch vehicle: Ariane 44LP
- Launch location: ELA-2
- Significant event: Rocket launch on October 19, 1999, at ELA-2
- Satellite orbit: Geostationary orbit

### System Affiliations
- Part of: Orion satellite system
- Also known as: Orion 2
- Operator: Telesat

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013