Attitude Determination and Control System Operation of INTELSAT VIII/VIIIA Satellites

摘要

INTELSAT VIII/VIIIA is the newest series of communications satellites for INTELSAT. It utilizes the LOCKHEED MARTIN Series 7000 Bus technology, INTELSAT purchased four INTELSAT VIII and two VIIIA satellites. Among them, 803 and 806 are owned by theNew Skies Satellites N.V. and operated by ENTELSAT pursuant to the transition services agreements governing INTELSAT's arm's-length relationship with New Skies. All six satellites in the series were launched between February 1997 and June 1998. This paper describes the features of the Attitude Determination and Control Subsystem (ADCS), its operation and performance during different phases of the mission.