# Thor 6

> Norwegian geostationary communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q1552187](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1552187)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thor_6)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/thor-6

## Summary
Thor 6 is a Norwegian geostationary communications satellite launched in 2009, operated by Telenor Satellite. It was built by Thales Alenia Space using the Spacebus-4000B2 platform and was originally known as Intelsat 1W before being renamed.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Communications satellite and geostationary satellite
- **Operator**: Telenor Satellite (Norway)
- **Launch Date**: October 29, 2009, at 20:00 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: Ariane 5 ECA (Flight V192)
- **Launch Site**: ELA-3, Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana
- **Manufacturer**: Thales Alenia Space (France)
- **Spacecraft Bus**: Spacebus-4000B2
- **Mass**:
  - Launch weight: 3,049 kg
  - Dry weight: 1,255 kg
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array (2) and S400 (1)
- **Service Life**: 15 years (design life)
- **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit
- **Space Tug**: ESC-A H14.4 (Flight 550)
- **Aliases**: Intelsat 1W (pre-launch name)
- **COSPAR ID**: 2009-058B
- **NSSDCA ID**: 2009-058B

## FAQs
### Q: What was Thor 6 originally named before launch?
A: Thor 6 was originally named Intelsat 1W before being renamed after launch.

### Q: Which company built Thor 6?
A: Thor 6 was built by Thales Alenia Space, a French aerospace manufacturer.

### Q: What type of orbit does Thor 6 operate in?
A: Thor 6 is a geostationary satellite, meaning it orbits at a fixed position relative to Earth.

### Q: How long was Thor 6 designed to operate?
A: Thor 6 was designed for a 15-year service life.

### Q: What launch vehicle carried Thor 6 into space?
A: Thor 6 was launched aboard an Ariane 5 ECA rocket (Flight V192) from ELA-3 in French Guiana.

## Why It Matters
Thor 6 is significant as a Norwegian geostationary communications satellite, providing essential telecommunications services for Telenor Satellite. Its launch in 2009 marked a milestone in Norway's space capabilities, demonstrating the country's ability to operate advanced satellite infrastructure. Built on the Spacebus-4000B2 platform, Thor 6 offers reliable communication services, supporting broadcasting, internet, and other data transmission needs. Its successful deployment underscores Norway's growing role in the global satellite industry, contributing to both national and international connectivity solutions.

## Notable For
- **First Norwegian Geostationary Satellite**: Thor 6 was the first Norwegian satellite to operate in geostationary orbit, expanding Norway's space infrastructure.
- **Thales Alenia Space Collaboration**: The satellite's construction by Thales Alenia Space highlights France's expertise in satellite manufacturing.
- **Ariane 5 ECA Launch**: Thor 6's launch on Ariane 5 ECA (Flight V192) showcased the reliability of Europe's heavy-lift rocket.
- **Telenor Satellite Partnership**: Operated by Telenor Satellite, Thor 6 supports Norway's telecommunications needs, including broadcasting and internet services.
- **Spacebus-4000B2 Platform**: The use of this platform ensures long-term operational stability and performance.

## Body
### Overview
Thor 6 is a Norwegian geostationary communications satellite operated by Telenor Satellite. It was launched on October 29, 2009, aboard an Ariane 5 ECA rocket from ELA-3 in French Guiana. Originally named Intelsat 1W, the satellite was later renamed Thor 6.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**:
  - Launch weight: 3,049 kg
  - Dry weight: 1,255 kg
- **Power Source**: Two spacecraft solar arrays and one S400
- **Spacecraft Bus**: Spacebus-4000B2
- **Service Life**: 15 years (design life)

### Launch and Deployment
- **Launch Vehicle**: Ariane 5 ECA (Flight V192)
- **Launch Site**: ELA-3, Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana
- **Launch Date**: October 29, 2009, at 20:00 UTC
- **Space Tug**: ESC-A H14.4 (Flight 550)

### Orbit and Operation
- **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit
- **Operator**: Telenor Satellite (Norway)
- **Manufacturer**: Thales Alenia Space (France)

### Identification Numbers
- **COSPAR ID**: 2009-058B
- **NSSDCA ID**: 2009-058B

### Historical Context
- **Construction Contract**: Signed in April 2007
- **Rocket Launch**: Coincided with the launch of NSS 12 on the same Ariane 5 mission

### Wikipedia and External References
- **Wikipedia Title**: Thor 6
- **Wikipedia Languages**: Available in German, English, Croatian, Norwegian Nynorsk, Norwegian Bokmål, and Portuguese
- **External References**:
  - [Satbeams](https://www.satbeams.com/satellites?norad=36033)
  - [Skyrocket](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/thor-6.htm)

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/thor-6.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. [Source](https://www.satbeams.com/satellites?norad=36033)