Inmarsat-2 (I-2) [Matra Marconi]
Official name INMARSAT 2-F1
Alternative name Inmarsat-2 F1
Cospar ID 1990-093A
Norad ID 20918
Launch date 1990-10-30
Launch site AFETR
Launch vehicle Delta-6925
Country/Organization International
Type application Communication
Operator Inmarsat
RCS size LARGE
Decay date ON ORBIT
Period (min) 1456.37
Inclination (deg) 12.85
Perigee (km) 36147
Apogee (km) 36218
Eccentricity 0.000981137290126442
Mean motion (revs. per day) 0.988759724520555
Semi-Major axis (km) 42560.635
Raan (deg) 8.7189
Arg of perigee (deg) 12.3896
Shape Hex Poly + 2 Pan
Mass (kg) 683.85
Height (m) 2
Width (m) 1.5
Depth (m) 1.5
Span (m^2) 14.9
Lifetime 10 years
Contractors Matra Marconi
Equipment 4 (+2) L-band transponders, 1 (+1) C-band transponders
Propulsion R-4D-11
Configuration Eurostar-1000
Power 2 deployable solar arrays, batteries

Launched in the early 1990s, the four second-generation satellites were built to Inmarsat specification by an international group headed by British Aerospace (now BAE Systems).

The three-axis-stabilized Inmarsat-2s were designed for a 10-year life. Inmarsat-2 F1 was launched in 1990 and is now located over the Pacific, providing lease capacity. F2, launched in 1991, is over the western Atlantic, providing leased capacity and backing up Inmarsat I-3 F4. Also orbited in 1991, F3 is stationed over the Pacific Ocean, providing lease capacity and backing up Inmarsat I-3 F3. The fourth Inmarsat-2 was launched in 1992 and is used to provide leased capacity over the Indian Ocean and backing up Inmarsat I-3 F1 and Inmarsat I-3 F3.

Satellite COSPAR Date LS Launch Vehicle Remarks
INMARSAT 2-F1 1990-093A 1990-10-30 AFETR Delta-6925
INMARSAT 2-F2 1991-018A 1991-03-08 AFETR Delta-6925
INMARSAT 2-F3 1991-084B 1991-12-16 FRGUI Ariane-44L H10 with Telecom 2A
INMARSAT 2-F4 1992-021B 1992-04-15 FRGUI Ariane-44L H10+ with Telecom 2B