# Thor 5

> Norwegian communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q914060](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q914060)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thor_5)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/thor-5

## Summary
Thor 5 (also known as Thor 2R) is a Norwegian communications satellite operated by Telenor Satellite. Launched on February 11, 2008, it was deployed into geostationary orbit using a Proton-M launch vehicle equipped with a Briz-M space tug. The satellite serves as an artificial satellite designed specifically for telecommunications purposes.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name:** Thor 5
- **Alternate Name:** Thor 2R
- **Classification:** Communications satellite
- **Operator:** Telenor Satellite
- **Launch Date:** February 11, 2008
- **Launch Vehicle:** Proton-M (Russian heavy lift launch vehicle)
- **Upper Stage:** Briz-M (space tug)
- **Launch Site:** Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200
- **Orbit:** Geostationary orbit
- **COSPAR ID:** 2008-006A
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 32487

## FAQs
### Q: When was Thor 5 launched?
A: Thor 5 was launched on February 11, 2008, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200.

### Q: Who operates the Thor 5 satellite?
A: The satellite is operated by Telenor Satellite.

### Q: What rocket was used to launch Thor 5?
A: Thor 5 was launched using a Proton-M rocket, which is a Russian heavy lift launch vehicle, augmented by a Briz-M space tug.

## Why It Matters
Thor 5 represents a specific class of geostationary communications satellites essential for modern telecommunications infrastructure. As a satellite operated by Telenor Satellite, it plays a critical role in providing connectivity services, likely serving regions relevant to Norwegian and international interests. Its deployment demonstrates the ongoing reliance on heavy-lift launch vehicles like the Russian Proton-M for placing substantial payloads into precise geostationary orbits. The satellite's alternative designation, Thor 2R, suggests it serves as a replacement or successor to previous infrastructure (Thor 2), highlighting the cyclical nature of space assets where aging hardware must be updated to maintain service continuity. Its launch in 2008 marked a significant event in that year's space calendar, adding to the global network of communications hardware orbiting the Earth.

## Notable For
- **Norwegian Operations:** It is explicitly identified as a Norwegian communications satellite operated by Telenor.
- **Launch Configuration:** It utilized the Proton-M launch vehicle combined with a Briz-M space tug, a specific configuration used for heavy or high-altitude deliveries.
- **Replacement Role:** The alias "Thor 2R" indicates its specific function as a replacement for the earlier Thor 2 satellite.
- **Geostationary Positioning:** It is situated in geostationary orbit, allowing it to maintain a fixed position relative to the Earth's surface for consistent coverage.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Thor 5 is an artificial satellite designed for telecommunications. It falls under the class of communications satellites and is designated with the COSPAR ID 2008-006A and the Satellite Catalog Number 32487.

### Launch and Deployment
The satellite was successfully launched on February 11, 2008. The mission utilized a Proton-M rocket, a heavy lift launch vehicle of Russian origin (descended from the Soviet Proton family). The launch took place at Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200. To achieve its final trajectory, the launch system employed a Briz-M space tug.

### Operational Details
Upon completion of its launch phase, Thor 5 was stationed in a geostationary orbit. The satellite is owned and managed by Telenor Satellite. Historical records and identifiers also refer to this entity by the alias Thor 2R. The satellite's significant event log confirms the rocket launch occurred at Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200 on the recorded date.

## References

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