Telstar 12

{{Short description|Communications satellite}}

{{distinguish|Telstar 12V}}

{{Infobox spaceflight

| name = Telstar 12

| names_list = Orion 2 (1999)
Telstar 12 (2000—)

| image =

| image_caption =

| mission_type = Communications

| operator = Loral Skynet{{cite web|url=http://www.loralskynet.com/template.asp?p=sf_telstar&m=m_sf&sm=|title=Telstar Fleet|publisher=Loral Skynet|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120209075648/http://www.loralskynet.com/template.asp?p=sf_telstar&m=m_sf&sm=|archivedate=9 February 2012}} (1999-07)
Telesat (2007—)

| COSPAR_ID = 1999-059A

| SATCAT = 25949

| mission_duration = 15 years

| spacecraft_bus = LS-1300E

| manufacturer = Space Systems/Loral

| dry_mass =

| launch_mass = {{convert|3814|kg}}

| power = 10.6 kilowatts

| launch_date = {{start-date|19 October 1999, 06:22|timezone=yes}} UTC

| launch_rocket = Ariane 44LP H10-3

| launch_site = Kourou ELA-2

| launch_contractor = Arianespace

| disposal_type =

| deactivated =

| orbit_epoch = 29 October 2013, 07:55:57 UTC{{cite web|url=http://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=25949|title=TELSTAR 12 (ORION 2) Satellite details 1999-059A NORAD 25949|work=N2YO|date=29 October 2013|accessdate=29 October 2013}}

| orbit_reference = Geocentric

| orbit_regime = Geostationary

| orbit_periapsis = {{convert|35780|km|mi}}

| orbit_apoapsis = {{convert|35805|km|mi}}

| orbit_inclination = 0.01 degrees

| orbit_period = 23.93 hours

| orbit_longitude = 15° west

| orbit_slot =

| apsis = gee

| trans_band = 38 Ku-band

| trans_frequency = Uplink: 13.75-14.5 gigahertz
Downlink: 10.95-12.75 gigahertz

| trans_bandwidth = 54 megahertz

| trans_capacity =

| trans_coverage = North America
Caribbean
South America
Europe
Middle East
South Africa{{cite web|url=http://www.eutelsat.com/en/satellites/the-fleet/TELSTAR-12-downlink-coverage.html|title=Telstar 12 Downlink Coverage|publisher=Eutelsat|accessdate=4 October 2013|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005001353/http://www.eutelsat.com/en/satellites/the-fleet/TELSTAR-12-downlink-coverage.html|archivedate=5 October 2013}}

| trans_TWTA =

| trans_EIRP =

| trans_HPBW =

}}

Telstar 12, previously known as Orion 2, is a Canadian communications satellite in the Telstar series which is operated by Telesat. It was originally built for Orion Network Systems, which merged with Loral Skynet shortly before the satellite was launched. It was subsequently transferred to Telesat when it merged with Loral Skynet in 2007.

Telstar 12 is a K_u band satellite with coverage of North America as far west as Cleveland, Ohio, the majority of South America and Europe. Telstar 12 also has the capability to provide intercontinental connectivity including trans-Atlantic to the Mid-East.{{cite web|url=http://www.loralskynet.com/pdf/telstar12_pamphlet.pdf|title=Telstar 12 15° W|publisher=Loral Skynet|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120209075653/http://www.loralskynet.com/pdf/telstar12_pamphlet.pdf|archivedate=9 February 2012}} Eutelsat uses four transponders on the satellite for services between Europe and the Americas.[http://www.eutelsat.org/satellites/15w.html www.eutelsat.org "TELSTAR 12 :: 15° West"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060514232155/http://www.eutelsat.org/satellites/15w.html |date=2006-05-14 }}

File:Telstar 12.png

On 1Q 2016, Telstar 12 was replaced in its orbital position with Telstar 12 Vantage satellite.