# Astérix

> French satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q22744](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q22744)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astérix_(satellite))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/asterix

## Summary  
Astérix is a French artificial satellite and technology demonstration spacecraft launched in 1965. It was France's first satellite and marked the country's entry into space exploration. Operated by CNES, Astérix was launched aboard a Diamant rocket from Hammaguir.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date**: November 26, 1965 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Diamant, France's first expendable satellite launcher ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Operator**: CNES (French space agency), founded December 19, 1961 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q206855))  
- **COSPAR ID**: 1965-096A ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q206855))  
- **Launch Site**: Hammaguir ([reference](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_TIG6aiCZ4&t=1579s))  
- **Named After**: The comic book character Astérix ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q8447))  
- **Class**: Technology demonstration spacecraft and artificial satellite ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q206855))  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was Astérix's purpose?  
A: Astérix was a technology demonstration satellite, proving France's capability to independently launch and operate satellites.  

### Q: Who launched Astérix?  
A: It was launched by CNES (French space agency) using the Diamant rocket, France's first satellite launcher.  

### Q: Where was Astérix launched from?  
A: The satellite was launched from Hammaguir, Algeria, a former French rocket test site.  

## Why It Matters  
Astérix was a landmark achievement for France, making it the third country (after the USSR and USA) to independently launch a satellite. This demonstrated France's technological prowess during the Cold War space race and laid the foundation for its future space program. The success of Astérix and the Diamant rocket established CNES as a key player in space exploration, leading to France's later contributions to ESA and global satellite projects.  

## Notable For  
- **First French satellite**: Marked France's independent entry into space.  
- **Diamant rocket**: First successful launch of France's indigenous satellite launcher.  
- **Cold War milestone**: Made France the sixth nation to orbit a satellite.  

## Body  
### Launch and Mission  
- Astérix was launched on **November 26, 1965**, from **Hammaguir**, Algeria.  
- The mission validated France's **Diamant rocket**, a key milestone in its space program.  

### Technical Details  
- **Operator**: CNES (French space agency).  
- **COSPAR ID**: 1965-096A.  
- **Class**: Technology demonstration spacecraft and artificial satellite.  

### Legacy  
- Confirmed France's capability for **independent space access**.  
- Paved the way for France's role in **ESA** and international collaborations.  

### Cultural Significance  
- Named after the popular **comic book character** Astérix, symbolizing French ingenuity.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. [Source](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_TIG6aiCZ4&t=1579s)