Inmarsat-3 F5 & Brasilsat B3
Ariane 44LP
Arianespace
Mission
Inmarsat-3 F5 & Brasilsat B3
Type: Communications
Launched in 1996-8, the Inmarsat-3s were built by Lockheed Martin Astro Space (now Lockheed Martin Missiles & Space) of the USA, responsible for the basic spacecraft, and the European Matra Marconi Space (now Astrium), which developed the communications payload. Brazil’s second generation of communications satellites are the result of joint engineering and manufacturing efforts in the United States and Brazil. The new spacecraft are called the Brasilsat B series, and are widebody, more powerful versions of Hughes Space and Communications Company’s popular HS-376 model. EMBRATEL, Brazil’s telecommunications company, signed a contract in August 1990 for two spacecraft. In December 1995, with those new satellites in orbit and rapidly filling with customers, EMBRATEL exercised an option for a third spacecraft. A fourth was ordered in June 1998.
Trajectory
The trajectory is unavailable. Check back for updates.
Location
Ariane Launch Area 2
Kourou, French Guiana
320 rockets have launched from Kourou, French Guiana.

Agency
Arianespace – ASA
- Type: Commercial
- Abbreviation: ASA
- Administration: CEO: Stéphane Israël
- Founded: 1980
- Launchers: Ariane | Vega
- Country: FRA
Arianespace SA is a multinational company founded in 1980 as the world’s first commercial launch service provider. It undertakes the production, operation, and marketing of the Ariane programme. Their vehicles launch exclusively from French Guiana in South America.