MARECS
Program: MARECS. Objective: Communications. Geostationary maritime communications satellites, which form part of INMARSAT's world-wide maritime communications satellite network. The program began as the experimental Maritime Orbital Test Satellite (Marots) in 1973, but was subsequently changed to an operational system resulting in a name change, a satellite redesign, and delayed development. Marecs is operated by ESA for Inmarsat.
Major Events:

  • 1981 December 20 - MARECS 1.  Spacecraft: ECS/OTS. Mass: 582 kg (1,283 lb). Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Vehicle: Ariane 1.

    MARECS-A was a geostationary maritime communications satellite, which formed part of INMARSAT's world-wide maritime communications satellite network. MARECS-A moved to a new position on the geostationary orbit. Old position: 334E. New position: 22.5 E. The Marecs satellites were members of Inmarsat's first generation global maritime communications network. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 26 deg W in 1982-1986; 178 deg E in 1986-1991; 20 deg E in 1991-1992; 22 deg E in 1992-1996 As of 1 September 2001 located at 11.08 deg W drifting at 18.839 deg W per day. As of 2007 Mar 9 located at 168.28W drifting at 18.837W degrees per day.

    The program began as the experimental Maritime Orbital Test Satellite (Marots) in...more.

  • 1982 September 9 - MARECS B.  Spacecraft: ECS/OTS. Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Vehicle: Ariane 1.

    Marecs B intended for maritime communications, planned for lease to Inmarsat; launched with Sirio 2. Geosynch orbit.

  • 1982 September 9 - Sirio 2.  Spacecraft: SIRIO. Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Vehicle: Ariane 1.

  • 1984 November 10 - MARECS 2.  Spacecraft: ECS/OTS. Mass: 563 kg (1,241 lb). Launch Site: Kourou. Launch Vehicle: Ariane 2/3.

    Stationed at 177.5 deg E; maritime communications; leased by Inmarsat. Geostationary position 177.5 deg E. MARECS PAC 1 is a geostationary maritime mobile communication satellite which will form part of the INMARSAT world-wide maritime communication satellite network. 1985 Jul 1. Move to a new position. Old position: 177.5E. New position: 345 deg E. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit at 177 deg E in 1984-1986; 26 deg W in 1986-1990; 55 deg W in 1990-1992; 15 deg W in 1992-1997; 26 deg W in 1997-on. As of 4 September 2001 located at 25.98 deg W drifting at 0.006 deg E per day. As of 2007 Mar 8 located at 105.63W drifting at 15.647W degrees per day.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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