# Astra 1G

> communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q750256](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q750256)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astra_1G)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/astra-1g

## Summary
Astra 1G is a communications satellite designed for telecommunications purposes. It was successfully launched on December 2, 1997, entering a geostationary orbit to support communication relay operations. The satellite was deployed using a Proton-K carrier rocket equipped with a Blok DM-2M space tug.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Astra 1G is an instance of a communications satellite.
- **Launch Date:** December 2, 1997.
- **Launch Vehicle:** Proton-K (Russian carrier rocket).
- **Upper Stage:** Utilized a Blok DM-2M space tug.
- **Launch Site:** Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 81/23.
- **Orbit:** Geostationary orbit.
- **COSPAR ID:** 1997-076A.
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 25071.
- **Identifiers:** Also known by the alias "Астра 1G (спутник)" and Google Knowledge Graph ID `/g/1214fp9v`.

## FAQs
### Q: When was Astra 1G launched?
A: Astra 1G was launched on December 2, 1997.

### Q: What rocket was used to launch Astra 1G?
A: The satellite was launched using a Proton-K carrier rocket, which is a Russian (previously Soviet) launch vehicle.

### Q: Where is Astra 1G located?
A: Astra 1G operates in a geostationary orbit, serving as an artificial satellite for telecommunications.

## Why It Matters
Astra 1G serves as a specific case study in the deployment of geostationary communication platforms during the late 1990s. Its launch represents the collaboration between satellite operators and the robust capabilities of the Russian space program, specifically the use of the Proton-K rocket and the Blok DM-2M upper stage combination. As a telecommunications satellite, it contributes to the infrastructure required for relaying signals across the globe, a critical component of modern connectivity. The specific details of its launch—from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 81/23—highlight the logistical complexity and precision required to place assets in geostationary orbit.

## Notable For
- **Launch Configuration:** Utilized the specific combination of a Proton-K rocket with a Blok DM-2M space tug.
- **Launch Site:** Launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 81/23, a specific pad within the historic Cosmodrome.
- **Orbital Positioning:** Designed for operation in geostationary orbit, maintaining a fixed position relative to Earth.
- **Multilingual Documentation:** Recognized in Wikipedia across six languages (German, English, Hungarian, Portuguese, Russian, Ukrainian).

## Body
### Technical Identity and Classification
Astra 1G is formally classified as a communications satellite, defined as an artificial satellite designed for telecommunications. It is tracked under the Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) 25071 and the COSPAR ID 1997-076A. The entity is documented in the Wolfram Language as `Entity["Satellite", "25071"]`.

### Launch and Deployment
The satellite was launched on **December 2, 1997**. The mission utilized a **Proton-K** carrier rocket, a vehicle described as Russian (and previously Soviet). The launch originated from **Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 81/23**. To facilitate final orbital insertion, the launch system included a **Blok DM-2M** space tug.

### Operational Context
Upon deployment, Astra 1G entered a **geostationary orbit**. This orbit allows the satellite to match the Earth's rotation, providing consistent coverage to a specific geographic area. The satellite remains a listed entity within global satellite tracking catalogs.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report