A new generation

The present discussion is concerned with a new series of communications satellites, which was developed by an American aerospace company with the objective to satisfy increasing demands of the customers. The customers for communications satellites are now seeking higher transponder power output, more payload capacity, and longer lifetime from manufacturers. Design features of the new series, the Series 4000, include larger payload panels for increased mounting area and thermal dissipation, heat pipes for increased thermal distribution over the payload panels, accommodation of solar arrays up to 500 sq ft, and launch compatibility with the Space Shuttle and the dual-launch Ariane 4. Attention is given to the design objectives, a physical description, the attitude determination and control subsystems for the Series 4000 satellites, the command structure, and the Shuttle compatible orbit transfer subsystem.