Inmarsat-2 (I-2) [Matra Marconi]
Official name INMARSAT 2-F4
Alternative name Inmarsat-2 F4
Cospar ID 1992-021B
Norad ID 21940
Launch date 1992-04-15
Launch site FRGUI
Launch vehicle Ariane-44L H10+
Country/Organization International
Type application Communication
Operator Inmarsat
RCS size LARGE
Decay date ON ORBIT
Period (min) 1470.25
Inclination (deg) 11.46
Perigee (km) 36419
Apogee (km) 36486
Eccentricity 0.000919004183526507
Mean motion (revs. per day) 0.979425267811597
Semi-Major axis (km) 42830.635
Raan (deg) 19.5701
Arg of perigee (deg) 126.9319
Shape Hex Poly + 2 Pan
Mass (kg) 816.65
Height (m) 2.4
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