# ASRTU-1
**Wikidata**: [Q131347099](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q131347099)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/asrtu-1

## Summary
ASRTU-1 is an amateur radio satellite developed through a collaborative effort between entities in the People's Republic of China and Russia. Also identified by the designations ASRTU-OSCAR 123 (AO-123), Druzhba ATURK, and various other call signs such as BJ2CR and RS64S, it serves as a specialized spacecraft for telecommunications within the global amateur radio community.

## Key Facts
- **Primary Aliases:** Дру́жба АТУРК (Druzhba ATURK), ASRTU-OSCAR 123, AO-123, BJ2CR, RS64S.
- **International Designation:** Recognized as part of the OSCAR (Orbiting Satellite Carrying Amateur Radio) series, carrying the identifier ASRTU-OSCAR 123.
- **Country of Origin:** Joint project involving the People's Republic of China and Russia.
- **Designers:** Developed by the Harbin University of Science and Technology and Amur State University.
- **Classification:** Instance of an amateur radio satellite; a subclass of communications satellite.
- **Function:** Designed to transmit amateur radio signals for telecommunications purposes.

## FAQs
### Q: Who designed and built the ASRTU-1 satellite?
A: ASRTU-1 was designed by two primary academic institutions: the Harbin University of Science and Technology in China and Amur State University in Russia.

### Q: What are the different call signs and identifiers for ASRTU-1?
A: The satellite is known by several identifiers depending on the organization and region. These include ASRTU-OSCAR 123 (AO-123), the Russian designation Дру́жба АТУРК (Druzhba ATURK), the Chinese call sign BJ2CR, and the Russian call sign RS64S.

### Q: Is ASRTU-1 part of a specific satellite series?
A: Yes, through its designation ASRTU-OSCAR 123, it is part of the OSCAR (Orbiting Satellite Carrying Amateur Radio) series, a well-known collection of amateur radio satellites.

## Why It Matters
ASRTU-1 represents a significant instance of international cooperation in the field of amateur radio and space technology. By bringing together the Harbin University of Science and Technology and Amur State University, the project bridges the amateur radio communities of China and Russia. As an amateur radio satellite, it plays a role in democratizing access to space, allowing licensed operators to utilize space-based transponders for long-distance communication without the constraints of commercial or government-controlled infrastructure. This collaboration fosters educational development in engineering and telecommunications, providing a platform for technical experimentation and cross-border goodwill among operators.

## Notable For
- **International Collaboration:** It is a distinct example of a satellite jointly developed by Chinese and Russian institutions (Harbin University of Science and Technology and Amur State University).
- **Multiple Designations:** It uniquely holds official identifiers from multiple systems, including the international OSCAR series (AO-123), and specific national call signs (BJ2CR for China, RS64S for Russia).
- **OSCAR Series Inclusion:** Its designation as ASRTU-OSCAR 123 places it within the historically significant OSCAR family of satellites, which began in the early 1960s.

## Body
### Development and Origin
ASRTU-1 is an amateur radio satellite that originated from a partnership between the People's Republic of China and Russia. The specific entities responsible for its design are the **Harbin University of Science and Technology** (located in China) and **Amur State University** (located in Russia). This cross-border development aligns with the broader tradition of amateur radio satellites being built by universities and educational organizations rather than major commercial entities.

### Naming and Identifiers
The satellite possesses a variety of names and codes that reflect its dual-national origin and its function within the amateur radio community.
- **ASRTU-1:** The primary project name.
- **Druzhba ATURK (Дру́жба АТУРК):** A Cyrillic alias, where "Druzhba" often translates to "Friendship," symbolizing the cooperative nature of the project.
- **ASRTU-OSCAR 123 (AO-123):** Upon reaching orbit and becoming operational, satellites in this category are often given an OSCAR designation by AMSAT. The number 123 indicates its place in the sequence of Orbiting Satellite Carrying Amateur Radio satellites.
- **BJ2CR:** The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) call sign prefix "B" indicates China.
- **RS64S:** The "RS" prefix typically denotes "Radio Sputnik" or Russian satellites in the amateur service.

### Function and Classification
ASRTU-1 is an **instance of an amateur radio satellite**. This classification defines it as a subclass of **communications satellite**. Its primary function is to act as a space-based repeater or transponder. It receives radio signals from licensed amateur radio operators on Earth and retransmits them, facilitating communication over distances that would otherwise be impossible due to the curvature of the Earth or terrain obstacles.

### Context within Amateur Radio
As an amateur radio satellite, ASRTU-1 serves the global community of "ham" radio operators. These satellites are utilized for non-commercial, experimental, and educational purposes. They enable operators to test satellite tracking skills, experiment with propagation, and conduct voice or data communications via space. The existence of satellites like ASRTU-1 supports a worldwide network of skilled communicators who provide emergency support and technical innovation.