Names | Satellite de Télécommunications pour Expérimenter les Nouvelles Technologies en Orbite |
---|---|
Mission type | Technology demonstration, Communications |
Operator | CNES / France Telecom / DGA |
Website | https://cnes.fr/fr |
Mission duration | 9 years (planned) Failed to orbit |
Spacecraft properties | |
Spacecraft | STENTOR |
Spacecraft type | Spacebus |
Bus | Spacebus-3000B3 |
Manufacturer | Alcatel Space (bus) Astrium (avionics) |
Launch mass | 2,210 kg (4,870 lb) |
Dry mass | 1,186 kg (2,615 lb) |
Dimensions | 4.5 x 3.2 x 2.6 m Span: 15.6 m in orbit |
Power | 2.1 kW |
Start of mission | |
Launch date | 11 December 2002, 22:22 UTC |
Rocket | Ariane 5ECA (V157) |
Launch site | Centre Spatial Guyanais, ELA-3 |
Contractor | Arianespace |
Entered service | Failed to orbit |
Orbital parameters | |
Reference system | Geocentric orbit (planned) |
Regime | Geostationary orbit |
Longitude | 11° West |
Transponders | |
Band | 7 transponders: 6 Ku-band 1 EHF transponder |
Coverage area | Europe, France |
STENTOR (Satellite de Télécommunications pour Expérimenter les Nouvelles Technologies en Orbite) was a French communications satellite which was lost in a launch failure in 2002. Intended for operation by CNES, France Telecom, and Direction générale de l'armement (DGA). To validate, in flight, advanced technologies which would be integrated in the next generation of telecommunications spacecraft. It will also demonstrate new telecommunications services, including broadband and multimedia transmissions to small user terminals.[1]