TDF
A 1980 French-German agreement to develop compatible direct broadcast satellite systems led to the creation of the French TDF (Telediffusion de France) series of satellites which were launched in 1988 and 1990 (References 55-56). Based on Aerospatiale's Spacebus 300 platform, TDF spacecraft are about 1.3 metric tons on station with bus dimensions of 1.6 m by 2.4 m by 7.1 m and a payload mass of 250 kg. The solar arrays span 19.3 m and provide 4.3 kW at start of life. Both spacecraft carry five, high power (230 W) 18/12 GHz transponders and are located at 19 degrees W. A decision to delete a third spacecraft from the program was based, in part, on the assumption that Europesat would be available in the late 1990's.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
