Communications
Echsostar 4 should have replaced EchoStar 1 at 119°W which would then have moved to 148°W (where only 24 transponders have been granted to EchoStar). After launch, the satellite has experienced anomalies in connection with solar panel deployment (two of five panels on one solar array have not unfolded). Therfore several transponders are not operational, so EchoStar 4 did not replace EchoStar 1. In Jul 1999 further anomalies with thermal control and fuel systems were reported. Only 16 transponders are reported to be operational. EchoStar has filled for constructive total loss of the satellite, which was insured for $220 million. In Jun 1999 the FCC approved a move request to 110°W to allow EchoStar to start broadcasting from there. Earlier the FCC granted to transfer of the 110°W licence of MCI to EchoStar. During May 1999, EchoStar IV experienced anomalies affecting transponders, heating systems and the fuel system. In July 1999, additional fuel system anomalies were confirmed. By 31 October 2000, a total of 26 transponders of 44 aboard failed and by 30 June 2002, 38 transponders had failed. Only six transponders were available for use at this time. Currently the satellite functions as an in-orbit spare. In September 2004, the jammed solar array deployed spontaneously.
Orbital Attempt
#4,236
KhSC Mission
#54
Pad Launch
#79
Location Launch
#1,108
Designator
1998-028
May 7, 1998, 11:45 PM
1 update
The Baikonur Cosmodrome is a spaceport operated by Russia within Kazakhstan. Located in the Kazakh city of Baikonur, it is the largest operational space launch facility in terms of area. All Russian crewed spaceflights are launched from Baikonur.
Timezone
Asia/Qyzylorda
Local Launch Time
May 8, 1998, 5:45 AM
Total Launches
1,563
Total Landings
0
Coordinates
45.9650, 63.3050
The Proton-K was a Russian, previously Soviet, carrier rocket derived from the earlier Proton. It was built by Khrunichev, and launched from sites 81 and 200 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
Length
59 m
Diameter
4.15 m
Launch Mass
712 t
Thrust
8,847 kN
GEO Capacity
1,880 kg
Reusable
No
Maiden Flight
1994
Fastest Turnaround
6d 21h
Total Launches
41
Successful
39
Failed
2
Consecutive Success
7
Maiden flight: Jan 20, 1994
Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center is a Moscow-based producer of spacecraft and space-launch systems, including the Proton and Rokot rockets and is currently developing the Angara rocket family. The Proton launch vehicle launches from Baikonur and Rokot launches from Baikonur and Plesetsk. Angara will launch from Plesetsk and Vostochny.
Founded
1916
Administrator
Director: Andrey Vladimirovich Kalinovskiy
Total Launches
193
Successful
178
Failed
15
Pending
0
Consecutive Success
4