# Alphabus > model of spacecraft bus manufactured by Thales Alenia Space **Wikidata**: [Q1359245](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1359245) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alphabus) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/alphabus ## Summary Alphabus is a spacecraft bus model designed and manufactured by Thales Alenia Space, serving as the infrastructure for communications and geostationary satellites. It provides a standardized platform for payloads such as space experiments or instruments, with its first operational deployment occurring in 2013. ## Key Facts - **Manufacturer**: Alphabus is produced by Thales Alenia Space and Space Systems. - **Classification**: It is a spacecraft bus, a general model used as the foundation for multiple-production spacecraft. - **Service Entry**: The Alphabus platform entered service on July 25, 2013. - **Usage**: It is utilized in communications satellites and geostationary satellites. - **Wikidata Presence**: The entity has a Wikidata description and is linked to Wikipedia articles in multiple languages (German, English, Finnish, French, and Japanese). - **Freebase ID**: The identifier `/m/03d62hf` is associated with Alphabus, referenced in a 2013 publication. - **Image**: Visual representations of Alphabus are available via Wikimedia Commons, including a preferred image of Alphasat at the Bourget airshow. ## FAQs **What is Alphabus used for?** Alphabus is a spacecraft bus designed to serve as the infrastructure for communications and geostationary satellites, providing a standardized platform for payloads such as space experiments or instruments. **Who manufactures Alphabus?** Alphabus is manufactured by Thales Alenia Space and Space Systems, both of which are involved in its production and development. **When was Alphabus first used?** The Alphabus platform entered service on July 25, 2013, marking its first operational deployment. **What is a spacecraft bus?** A spacecraft bus is a general model on which multiple-production spacecraft are often based. It serves as the infrastructure of a spacecraft, providing locations for payloads and acting as the service module section. ## Why It Matters Alphabus plays a crucial role in the field of satellite technology by providing a standardized and reliable platform for communications and geostationary satellites. Its design allows for the efficient integration of various payloads, making it a versatile and cost-effective solution for space missions. By offering a robust infrastructure, Alphabus contributes to the advancement of space exploration and communication technologies, enabling more sophisticated and reliable satellite operations. ## Notable For - **Standardization**: Alphabus provides a standardized platform for spacecraft, facilitating the integration of various payloads. - **Versatility**: It is used in both communications satellites and geostationary satellites, showcasing its adaptability. - **Operational Deployment**: The platform entered service in 2013, marking a significant milestone in its development and use. ## Body ### Overview Alphabus is a model of spacecraft bus manufactured by Thales Alenia Space and Space Systems. It serves as the infrastructure for spacecraft, providing locations for payloads such as space experiments or instruments. The platform is designed to be a general model on which multiple-production spacecraft are often based, making it a versatile and cost-effective solution for various space missions. ### Classification and Usage Alphabus is classified as a spacecraft bus, which is a general model used as the foundation for multiple-production spacecraft. It is specifically used in communications satellites and geostationary satellites, highlighting its adaptability and versatility in different types of space missions. ### Service Entry and Operational Deployment The Alphabus platform entered service on July 25, 2013, marking its first operational deployment. This date is significant as it represents the culmination of the platform's development and its readiness for use in real-world space missions. ### Manufacturing and Development Alphabus is manufactured by Thales Alenia Space and Space Systems. These organizations are involved in the production and development of the platform, ensuring its quality and reliability for use in space missions. ### Wikidata and Wikipedia Presence The entity has a Wikidata description and is linked to Wikipedia articles in multiple languages, including German, English, Finnish, French, and Japanese. This presence indicates the platform's recognition and importance in the field of space technology. ### Freebase ID and References Alphabus is associated with the Freebase ID `/m/03d62hf`, which is referenced in a 2013 publication. This identifier provides additional context and information about the platform, contributing to its documentation and recognition. ### Visual Representation Visual representations of Alphabus are available via Wikimedia Commons, including a preferred image of Alphasat at the Bourget airshow. These images provide a visual understanding of the platform and its applications in space missions. ### Significance and Impact Alphabus plays a crucial role in the field of satellite technology by providing a standardized and reliable platform for communications and geostationary satellites. Its design allows for the efficient integration of various payloads, making it a versatile and cost-effective solution for space missions. By offering a robust infrastructure, Alphabus contributes to the advancement of space exploration and communication technologies, enabling more sophisticated and reliable satellite operations. ## References 1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sat/alphabus.htm) 2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013