Mexsat-3 (Bicentenario) Satellite at 114.9° West – Serving Mexico’s National Communications Network

Mexsat-3, also known as Bicentenario, is a geostationary communications satellite operated by the Ministry of Communications and Transportation of Mexico (SCT). Positioned at 114.9° West, it is the first of three satellites forming the MEXSAT satellite telecommunications system and was named in honor of the bicentennial of Mexico’s independence.

Mission Purpose and Services

Launched on December 19, 2012, Mexsat-3 is designed to deliver fixed satellite services (FSS), supporting broadband internet access, high-quality digital telephony, videoconferencing, distance education, and remote healthcare delivery. It also plays a critical role in emergency response communications, offering coverage before, during, and after natural disasters.

The satellite supports C-band and Ku-band transmissions, providing robust connectivity across Mexico and surrounding maritime regions.

Satellite Specifications and Platform

Mexsat-3 was built by Orbital Sciences Corporation (now part of Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems) using the STAR-2.4 satellite platform. It generates approximately 3.5 kilowatts of power and is equipped with:

• 12 active extended Ku-band transponders

• 12 active extended C-band transponders

This configuration ensures reliable and secure communication for both public sector operations and national infrastructure needs.

Launch Details

The satellite was successfully launched aboard an Ariane 5 rocket provided by Arianespace, from the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, French Guiana. Liftoff occurred at 18:50 local time (21:50 GMT). Within minutes, the rocket reached the 100 km altitude mark, placing Mexsat-3 into a geostationary orbit at 36,000 km above Earth. Satellite signal acquisition was confirmed shortly after deployment.

MEXSAT Program Overview

The MEXSAT satellite system is a strategic initiative by the Mexican government to enhance national telecommunications infrastructure. It comprises:

• Mexsat-1 (Centenario) and Mexsat-2 (Morelos-3), both built by Boeing to provide mobile satellite services (MSS)

• Mexsat-3 (Bicentenario), built by Orbital Sciences, delivering fixed satellite services (FSS)

Under a 2010 contract with Boeing, Orbital Sciences was responsible for delivering the FSS ground segment, including command and control systems, operations software, and training.

Key Technical Highlights

• Satellite Name: Mexsat-3 (Bicentenario)

• Operator: SCT / Government of Mexico

• Platform: STAR-2.4

• Orbit: Geostationary at 114.9° West

• Payload Power: 3.5 kW

• Transponders: 12 Ku-band, 12 C-band

• Launch Vehicle: Ariane 5

• Launch Site: Kourou, French Guiana

• Launch Date: December 19, 2012

• Manufacturer: Orbital Sciences Corporation