# Telstar 18

> canadian communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q2402398](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2402398)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telstar_18)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/telstar-18

## Summary
Telstar 18 is a Canadian communications satellite operated by Telesat, launched on June 29, 2004. It was launched using a Zenit-3SL rocket from the Odyssey platform and has a mass of 4,640 kilograms. It is also known by the alias Apstar 5.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Communications satellite
- **Mass**: 4,640 kilograms
- **Aliases**: Apstar 5
- **Country of Origin**: Canada
- **Operator**: Telesat
- **COSPAR ID**: 2004-024A
- **Launch Date**: June 29, 2004
- **Launch Vehicle**: Zenit-3SL
- **Launch Site**: Odyssey
- **Significant Event**: Rocket launch on June 29, 2004, from Odyssey

## FAQs
### Q: What type of satellite is Telstar 18?
A: Telstar 18 is a communications satellite designed for telecommunications.

### Q: Who operates Telstar 18?
A: Telstar 18 is operated by Telesat, a Canadian satellite communications company.

### Q: What was the launch date of Telstar 18?
A: Telstar 18 was launched on June 29, 2004.

### Q: What is the mass of Telstar 18?
A: Telstar 18 has a mass of 4,640 kilograms.

### Q: What is the COSPAR ID of Telstar 18?
A: The COSPAR ID of Telstar 18 is 2004-024A.

## Why It Matters
Telstar 18 played a crucial role in Canada's satellite communications infrastructure, providing essential services for telecommunications. Its launch marked a significant milestone for Telesat and contributed to the expansion of global satellite communication networks. As a communications satellite, it facilitated the transmission of signals for various applications, including television broadcasting and internet services. The satellite's operational capabilities supported Canada's strategic goals in satellite technology and reinforced its position in the global space industry.

## Notable For
- **First Canadian Communications Satellite**: One of the first communications satellites launched by Telesat.
- **Zenit-3SL Launch**: Successfully launched using the Zenit-3SL rocket, demonstrating its reliability.
- **Odyssey Launch Site**: Launched from the Odyssey platform, a mobile sea-based launch facility.
- **Massive Payload**: With a mass of 4,640 kilograms, it was a significant payload for its time.
- **COSPAR ID**: Holds the COSPAR ID 2004-024A, indicating its unique identification in the space catalog.

## Body
### Classification
Telstar 18 is classified as a communications satellite, designed for telecommunications. This classification aligns with its primary function of transmitting signals for various applications, including television broadcasting and internet services.

### Mass and Dimensions
The satellite has a mass of 4,640 kilograms, which is substantial for a communications satellite. This mass indicates its capacity to carry advanced communication equipment and support long-term operations in geostationary orbit.

### Aliases
Telstar 18 is also known by the alias Apstar 5, which reflects its role in the Apstar satellite constellation operated by Telesat.

### Country of Origin and Operator
Telstar 18 is a Canadian communications satellite, developed and operated by Telesat. Telesat is a leading satellite communications company in Canada, specializing in providing global connectivity solutions.

### Launch Details
- **Launch Date**: June 29, 2004
- **Launch Vehicle**: Zenit-3SL
- **Launch Site**: Odyssey, a mobile sea-based launch facility

The Zenit-3SL rocket, an expendable carrier rocket, was used to launch Telstar 18. The Odyssey platform served as the launch site, providing a mobile and flexible launch solution.

### COSPAR ID
The COSPAR ID of Telstar 18 is 2004-024A, which is assigned by the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) to uniquely identify the satellite in the space catalog.

### Significant Event
The significant event associated with Telstar 18 is its rocket launch on June 29, 2004, from the Odyssey platform. This event marked a crucial milestone in the satellite's operational history and demonstrated the capabilities of the Zenit-3SL rocket and the Odyssey launch site.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report