| Intelsat 6B | |
| Names List: | PAS-6B IS-6B |
| Mission Type: | Communications |
| Operator: | PanAmSat / Intelsat |
| Cospar Id: | 1998-075A |
| Satcat: | 25585 |
| Website: | http://www.intelsat.com |
| Mission Duration: | 15 years (planned) (elapsed) |
| Spacecraft: | PAS-6B |
| Spacecraft Type: | Boeing 601 |
| Spacecraft Bus: | HS-601HP |
| Manufacturer: | Hughes Space and Communications |
| Power: | 8 kW |
| Launch Date: | 22 December 1998, 01:08 UTC |
| Launch Rocket: | Ariane 42L H10-3 (V115) |
| Launch Site: | Centre Spatial Guyanais, ELA-2 |
| Launch Contractor: | Arianespace |
| Entered Service: | February 1999 |
| Orbit Reference: | Geocentric orbit |
| Orbit Regime: | Geostationary orbit |
| Apsis: | gee |
| Trans Band: | 32 Ku-band |
| Trans Coverage: | South America |
| Programme: | PanAmSat constellation |
| Previous Mission: | PAS-8 |
| Next Mission: | PAS-9 |
Intelsat 6B (IS-6B, PAS-6B) was a satellite providing television and communication services for Intelsat, which it was commissioned by in 2006.[1]
It was manufactured by Hughes Space and Communications. At beginning of life, it generates 8 kW. This version takes advantage of such advances as dual-junction gallium arsenide solar cells, new battery technology and the first commercial use of a high-efficiency xenon ion propulsion system (XIPS).
The satellite was launched on 22 December 1998, 01:08 UTC, on a Ariane 42L H10-3 launch vehicle from the Centre Spatial Guyanais at Kourou in French Guiana.[2] PAS-6B provides satellite services in South America, including direct-to-home (DTH) television services.
In 2003, PAS 6B lost the secondary XIPS engines additionally to the earlier loss of the primaries, which will lead to a reduced lifetime.[1]