# AUSSAT A1

> Australian communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q16061370](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16061370)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/aussat-a1

## Summary
AUSSAT A1 is an Australian communications satellite launched in 1985, designed to provide telecommunications services. It was the first in a series of satellites operated by Optus and built by Hughes Aircraft Company, using the Boeing 376 spacecraft bus.

## Key Facts
- **Launch date**: August 27, 1985, aboard Space Shuttle Discovery (STS-51-I mission)
- **Operator**: Optus, an Australian telecommunications company
- **Manufacturer**: Hughes Aircraft Company
- **Spacecraft bus**: Boeing 376
- **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit (satellite_of: geostationary orbit)
- **Launch mass**: 1,250 kilograms (launch weight)
- **Service mass**: 654 kilograms
- **Diameter**: 2.2 meters
- **Power source**: Spacecraft solar array
- **Space tug**: PAM-D (Payload Assist Module-D)
- **Preceded by**: None (first in the AUSSAT series)
- **Followed by**: AUSSAT A2
- **Aliases**: AUSSAT 1, AUSSAT K1, Optus A1

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of AUSSAT A1?
A: AUSSAT A1 was designed to provide Australian telecommunications services, including television broadcasting and data transmission, as part of Optus's satellite network.

### Q: How was AUSSAT A1 launched?
A: It was launched on August 27, 1985, aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery during the STS-51-I mission, using the Payload Assist Module-D (PAM-D) as a space tug.

### Q: Who operated AUSSAT A1?
A: AUSSAT A1 was operated by Optus, an Australian telecommunications company, which later became a major player in the satellite industry.

### Q: What was unique about AUSSAT A1's design?
A: AUSSAT A1 was built on the Boeing 376 spacecraft bus, which was a standardized design used for communications satellites at the time.

### Q: How long was AUSSAT A1 operational?
A: The source material does not specify the exact duration of AUSSAT A1's operational life, but it was succeeded by AUSSAT A2, indicating it was eventually decommissioned.

## Why It Matters
AUSSAT A1 was a significant milestone in Australia's space program, marking the country's first dedicated communications satellite. Launched in 1985, it played a crucial role in expanding telecommunications infrastructure, particularly for television broadcasting and data services. Operated by Optus, the satellite contributed to the development of Australia's satellite communications network, which later became a key player in the global industry. Its success paved the way for subsequent satellites in the AUSSAT series, demonstrating the feasibility of satellite-based telecommunications in the region.

## Notable For
- **First Australian communications satellite**: AUSSAT A1 was the first satellite in the AUSSAT series, establishing Australia's presence in the geostationary orbit for telecommunications.
- **Space Shuttle launch**: It was the first satellite deployed from the Space Shuttle, utilizing the Payload Assist Module-D (PAM-D) for deployment.
- **Boeing 376 spacecraft bus**: The satellite used the Boeing 376 bus, a standardized design that facilitated its development and operation.
- **Optus partnership**: AUSSAT A1 was operated by Optus, a major Australian telecommunications company, which later became a leading player in the satellite industry.
- **Precedent for later satellites**: Its successful launch and operation set a precedent for subsequent satellites in the AUSSAT series, including AUSSAT A2.

## Body
### Overview
AUSSAT A1 was an Australian communications satellite launched on August 27, 1985, aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery during the STS-51-I mission. It was the first satellite in the AUSSAT series, operated by Optus, and built by Hughes Aircraft Company using the Boeing 376 spacecraft bus.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: The satellite had a launch mass of 1,250 kilograms and a service mass of 654 kilograms.
- **Diameter**: The satellite measured 2.2 meters in diameter.
- **Power**: It was powered by a spacecraft solar array.
- **Orbit**: AUSSAT A1 was placed in a geostationary orbit, providing stable coverage over Australia and the surrounding region.

### Launch and Deployment
- **Launch vehicle**: The satellite was launched using the Space Shuttle Discovery, with the Payload Assist Module-D (PAM-D) serving as a space tug for deployment.
- **Launch site**: The launch took place from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A.
- **Deployment**: The satellite was deployed from the Space Shuttle, marking the first time a satellite was launched and deployed from the Space Shuttle.

### Operational Role
- **Telecommunications**: AUSSAT A1 provided telecommunications services, including television broadcasting and data transmission, supporting Australia's growing communications needs.
- **Operator**: Optus, an Australian telecommunications company, was responsible for the satellite's operation and management.
- **Successor**: AUSSAT A1 was succeeded by AUSSAT A2, indicating its eventual decommissioning and the continuation of the satellite series.

### Historical Context
- **First in series**: AUSSAT A1 was the first satellite in the AUSSAT series, establishing Australia's presence in the geostationary orbit for telecommunications.
- **Space Shuttle era**: The satellite's launch during the Space Shuttle era marked a significant milestone in space exploration and satellite deployment.
- **Industry impact**: AUSSAT A1 contributed to the development of Australia's satellite communications industry, paving the way for future advancements in the field.

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  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "AUSSAT A1",
  "description": "Australian communications satellite launched in 1985, the first in the AUSSAT series operated by Optus",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q15993", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AUSSAT_A1"],
  "additionalType": "CommunicationsSatellite"
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## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/aussat-a.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](http://boeing.com/defense-space/space/bss/factsheets/376/aussat/aussat.html)