AMC-2

Names	GE-2 (1997-2001) AMC-2 (2001-present)
Mission type	Communications
Operator	GE Americom (1997-2001) SES Americom (2001-2009) SES World Skies (2009-2011) SES S.A. (2011-present)
COSPAR ID	1997-002A
SATCAT no.	24713
Mission duration	15 years (planned) 26 years, 11 months, 15 days (elapsed)
Spacecraft properties
Spacecraft	GE-2
Spacecraft type	Lockheed Martin A2100
Bus	LM A2100A
Manufacturer	Lockheed Martin
Launch mass	2,648 kg (5,838 lb)
Dry mass	1,300 kg (2,900 lb)
Start of mission
Launch date	30 January 1997, 22:04:00 UTC
Rocket	Ariane 44L (V93)
Launch site	Centre Spatial Guyanais, ELA-2
Contractor	Arianespace
Orbital parameters
Reference system	Geocentric orbit
Regime	Geostationary orbit
Longitude	85° West
Transponders
Band	48 transponders: 24 C-band 24 Ku-band
Coverage area	North America
SES constellation ← AMC-1 AMC-3 →

GE-2, called AMC-2 after 2001, is a privately owned American communications satellite launched in 1997. It was the first of the GE series to be launched outside the United States.^[1] It was launched by an Ariane 44L on 30 January 1997 at 22:04:00 UTC, flying from ELA-2, Centre Spatial Guyanais alongside another satellite, Nahuel 1A. It was owned by GE Americom until 2001 when the company was sold to SES (Société Européenne des Satellites). The name of the spacecraft was then changed by SES Americom to AMC-2 in 2001.^[1]

Overview

GE-2 carries 24 Ku-band and 24 C-band transponders. It weighs approximately 2,648 kg (5,838 lb) fully fueled and has a dry mass of 1,300 kg (2,900 lb). It is stationed at approximately 81° West serving the North America. There is also a plan to relocate the satellite to 85° West orbital position.^[2] It is powered by two deployable solar panels which charge the batteries. It uses LEROS-1c engines for propulsion.^[1]