# Apstar 1A
**Wikidata**: [Q18327687](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q18327687)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/apstar-1a

## Summary
Apstar 1A is a Chinese communications satellite launched on July 3, 1996. It was deployed using a Long March 3 rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center.

## Key Facts
- **Instance of:** Communications satellite.
- **Launch Date:** July 3, 1996.
- **COSPAR ID:** 1996-039A.
- **Launch Site:** Xichang Satellite Launch Center.
- **Launch Vehicle:** Long March 3.
- **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number):** 23943.
- **Significant Event:** Rocket launch occurring on July 3, 1996, at Xichang Satellite Launch Center.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Apstar 1A?
A: Apstar 1A is a communications satellite designed for telecommunications purposes.

### Q: When and where was Apstar 1A launched?
A: Apstar 1A was launched on July 3, 1996, from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center.

### Q: What rocket was used to launch Apstar 1A?
A: Apstar 1A was launched using a Long March 3 rocket.

### Q: What is the COSPAR designation for Apstar 1A?
A: The COSPAR ID for Apstar 1A is 1996-039A.

### Q: What is the Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) for Apstar 1A?
A: The Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) for Apstar 1A is 23943.

## Why It Matters
Apstar 1A represents a significant step in China's domestic satellite communications capabilities, launched aboard a domestically developed Long March rocket from a Chinese launch site. As a communications satellite, its primary purpose was to enhance telecommunications infrastructure, enabling services like television broadcasting, telephone communications, and data transmission across regions it was positioned to serve. This launch demonstrated China's growing proficiency in building and deploying satellites for commercial and national telecommunications needs, contributing to the broader development of the global satellite industry.

## Notable For
- Being a Chinese-owned and operated communications satellite.
- Launched by a Long March 3 rocket, showcasing China's launch capabilities.
- Launched from Xichang Satellite Launch Center, China's primary satellite launch facility.
- Identified by the specific COSPAR ID 1996-039A.
- Cataloged under Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) 23943.

## Body
### Identity
- **Entity Name:** Apstar 1A
- **Aliases:** Apstar 1A
- **Class:** Communications satellite (an artificial satellite designed for telecommunications)
- **SCN:** 23943
- **COSPAR ID:** 1996-039A

### Mission
- **Purpose:** Designed for telecommunications

### Technical Details
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID:** /g/11b5v1x6w4
- **Wolfram Language Entity Code:** Entity["Satellite", "23943"]
- **Wikipedia Languages Available:** Portuguese (pt)

### Launch Details
- **Launch Date:** July 3, 1996
- **Launch Site:** Xichang Satellite Launch Center
- **Launch Vehicle:** Long March 3
- **Significant Event:** Rocket launch event occurring on July 3, 1996, at Xichang Satellite Launch Center.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report