# AfriStar

> communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q387908](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q387908)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AfriStar)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/afristar

## Summary
AfriStar is a communications satellite launched on October 28, 1998, using an Ariane 44L rocket from the ELA-2 launch pad. It operates in geostationary orbit to provide telecommunications services.

## Key Facts
- AfriStar is a communications satellite designed specifically for telecommunications purposes
- Launch date: October 28, 1998
- Launch vehicle: Ariane 44L
- Launch site: ELA-2
- Current orbital position: Geostationary orbit
- Alternate name: Afristar (Satellit)
- SCN (Satellite Catalog Number): 25515
- COSPAR ID: 1998-063A
- Freebase ID: /m/064r83z

## FAQs
### Q: What is AfriStar?
A: AfriStar is a communications satellite launched in 1998 that provides telecommunications services while operating in geostationary orbit.

### Q: When and where was AfriStar launched?
A: AfriStar was launched on October 28, 1998, from ELA-2 using an Ariane 44L rocket.

### Q: What is the purpose of AfriStar?
A: AfriStar is designed specifically for telecommunications purposes, providing communication services from its position in geostationary orbit.

### Q: How is AfriStar identified in satellite databases?
A: AfriStar is identified by SCN 25515, COSPAR ID 1998-063A, and Freebase ID /m/064r83z.

### Q: In which languages is information about AfriStar available on Wikipedia?
A: Information about AfriStar is available in German (de), English (en), Spanish (es), and Portuguese (pt) on Wikipedia.

## Why It Matters
AfriStar represents an important component of global telecommunications infrastructure by providing satellite-based communication services. As a geostationary communications satellite, it enables stable and continuous coverage over specific regions, which is crucial for various applications including broadcasting, internet connectivity, and telephone services. The AfriStar satellite demonstrates the ongoing development and deployment of specialized communication satellites to meet growing global connectivity needs, particularly in regions where terrestrial infrastructure might be limited.

## Notable For
- Part of the specialized communications satellite class designed specifically for telecommunications
- Launched using the Ariane 44L rocket, which was part of the Ariane 4 series
- Identified by multiple international satellite catalog numbers (SCN: 25515, COSPAR ID: 1998-063A)
- Has representation in multiple Wikipedia languages (German, English, Spanish, Portuguese)
- Has a Wolfram Language entity code: Entity["Satellite", "25515"]

## Body
### Basic Information
AfriStar is a communications satellite that was launched on October 28, 1998. It belongs to the class of communications satellites, which are artificial satellites designed specifically for telecommunications purposes.

### Launch Details
The satellite was launched using an Ariane 44L rocket from the ELA-2 launch pad. This launch event occurred on October 28, 1998, marking the beginning of AfriStar's operational life.

### Orbital Information
AfriStar operates in geostationary orbit, which allows it to maintain a fixed position relative to the Earth's surface. This orbital position enables continuous coverage over specific geographical regions, making it ideal for telecommunications services.

### Identification
AfriStar is identified by several catalog numbers:
- SCN (Satellite Catalog Number): 25515
- COSPAR ID: 1998-063A
- Freebase ID: /m/064r83z

### Wikipedia Presence
Information about AfriStar is available in multiple languages on Wikipedia, including:
- German (de)
- English (en)
- Spanish (es)
- Portuguese (pt)

### Technical Representation
In Wolfram Language, AfriStar is represented with the entity code Entity["Satellite", "25515"], indicating its standardized representation in technical and computational systems.

### Alternate Names
The satellite is also known by the alternate name "Afristar (Satellit)" in certain contexts and databases.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report