# Applications Technology Satellite 1

> defunct NASA geostationary communications and weather satellite, launched in 1966

**Wikidata**: [Q4654903](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4654903)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ATS-1)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/applications-technology-satellite-1

## Summary
Applications Technology Satellite 1 (ATS-1) was a defunct NASA geostationary satellite launched in 1966 for communications and weather monitoring. It was part of NASA's experimental Applications Technology Satellite series and operated until its retirement in 1978, with signal loss occurring in 1985.

## Key Facts
- Launched on December 7, 1966, from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 12 using an Atlas SLV-3 Agena-D rocket.
- Operated by NASA and manufactured by Hughes Aircraft Company.
- Mass at launch: 351.5 kg, height: 144.8 cm, diameter: 142.2 cm.
- Powered by a spacecraft solar array generating 175 watts.
- Classified as a communications satellite, weather satellite, and geostationary satellite.
- Retired from service on December 1, 1978, with signal loss in April 1985.
- COSPAR ID: 1966-110A, NSSDCA ID: 1966-110A.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Applications Technology Satellite 1?
A: ATS-1 was designed for communications and weather monitoring, serving as an experimental platform for NASA to test geostationary satellite technologies.

### Q: When was Applications Technology Satellite 1 launched?
A: ATS-1 was launched on December 7, 1966, from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 12.

### Q: Who operated Applications Technology Satellite 1?
A: ATS-1 was operated by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

### Q: What happened to Applications Technology Satellite 1?
A: ATS-1 was retired from service on December 1, 1978, and lost signal in April 1985.

### Q: What were the dimensions of Applications Technology Satellite 1?
A: ATS-1 had a height of 144.8 cm and a diameter of 142.2 cm, with a launch mass of 351.5 kg.

## Why It Matters
Applications Technology Satellite 1 played a crucial role in the development of geostationary satellite technology. As part of NASA's experimental series, it helped pioneer communications and weather monitoring from space, laying the groundwork for modern satellite systems. Its successful operation demonstrated the feasibility of geostationary orbits for continuous Earth observation and telecommunications, influencing subsequent satellite designs and missions. ATS-1's contributions to weather forecasting and global communications have had lasting impacts on both scientific research and everyday technology.

## Notable For
- Being one of the first geostationary satellites used for both communications and weather monitoring.
- Demonstrating the viability of geostationary orbits for continuous Earth observation.
- Serving as a precursor to modern weather and communications satellites.
- Operating for over 12 years before retirement, showcasing its reliability and durability.
- Contributing to advancements in satellite solar array technology with its 175-watt power system.

## Body
### Launch and Specifications
Applications Technology Satellite 1 (ATS-1) was launched on December 7, 1966, at 02:12:01 UTC from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 12. The launch vehicle was an Atlas SLV-3 Agena-D, a type of American expendable launch system. ATS-1 had a launch mass of 351.5 kg, a height of 144.8 cm, and a diameter of 142.2 cm. It was powered by a spacecraft solar array that generated 175 watts of power.

### Mission and Operation
ATS-1 was operated by NASA and manufactured by Hughes Aircraft Company. It was designed to serve as both a communications satellite and a weather satellite, making it a versatile platform for testing geostationary satellite technologies. The satellite was part of NASA's Applications Technology Satellite series, which aimed to advance satellite communications and Earth observation capabilities.

### Retirement and Legacy
ATS-1 was retired from service on December 1, 1978, after over 12 years of operation. The satellite lost signal in April 1985, marking the end of its operational life. Despite its retirement, ATS-1's contributions to satellite technology and Earth observation have had a lasting impact, influencing the development of modern weather and communications satellites.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Applications Technology Satellite 1",
  "description": "Defunct NASA geostationary communications and weather satellite, launched in 1966.",
  "url": "https://science.nasa.gov/missions/ats",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2608", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ATS-1"],
  "additionalType": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q175143", "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q189230", "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q189230"]
}

## References

1. [Source](https://www.nesdis.noaa.gov/news/the-50th-anniversary-of-ats-1)
2. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/ats-1.htm)
3. Jonathan's Space Report
4. [Source](https://science.nasa.gov/missions/ats)
5. [Source](https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-03416-4_7)