# AUSSAT A3

> Australian communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q16061366](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16061366)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/aussat-a3

## Summary
AUSSAT A3 is an Australian communications satellite launched in 1987. It was part of the AUSSAT series, designed for telecommunications and operated by Optus. The satellite had a launch mass of 1,250 kg and was manufactured by Hughes Aircraft Company.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Communications satellite and geostationary satellite
- **Launch date**: September 16, 1987, at 00:45:28 UTC
- **Launch site**: Ensemble de Lancement Vega (French Guiana)
- **Launch vehicle**: Ariane 3 (flight V-19)
- **Manufacturer**: Hughes Aircraft Company
- **Operator**: Optus
- **Mass**: 1,250 kg at launch, 696 kg at service entry
- **Diameter**: 2.2 meters
- **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit
- **Power source**: Spacecraft solar array
- **Space tug**: PAM-D
- **Spacecraft bus**: Boeing 376
- **Aliases**: AUSSAT 3, AUSSAT K3, Optus A3
- **COSPAR ID**: 1987-078A
- **Predecessor**: AUSSAT A2

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of AUSSAT A3?
A: AUSSAT A3 was designed for telecommunications, providing communication services for Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.

### Q: Who operated AUSSAT A3?
A: AUSSAT A3 was operated by Optus, an Australian telecommunications company.

### Q: What was the launch mass of AUSSAT A3?
A: AUSSAT A3 had a launch mass of 1,250 kg.

### Q: What type of orbit did AUSSAT A3 use?
A: AUSSAT A3 was placed in a geostationary orbit, allowing it to remain stationary relative to the Earth's surface.

### Q: What was the diameter of AUSSAT A3?
A: The diameter of AUSSAT A3 was 2.2 meters.

## Why It Matters
AUSSAT A3 played a crucial role in Australia's telecommunications infrastructure by providing reliable communication services to the Asia-Pacific region. As part of the AUSSAT series, it contributed to the expansion of satellite-based communication networks, supporting both civilian and military applications. The satellite's successful deployment demonstrated the capabilities of the Ariane 3 launch vehicle and the Boeing 376 spacecraft bus. Its operation by Optus highlighted the growing importance of satellite communications in connecting remote and underserved areas. Despite its eventual retirement, AUSSAT A3 remains a significant milestone in Australia's space history.

## Notable For
- **First in series**: AUSSAT A3 was the third satellite in the AUSSAT series, following AUSSAT A2.
- **Geostationary orbit**: It was one of the first Australian satellites to operate in a geostationary orbit, providing continuous coverage.
- **Telecommunications**: It supported a variety of communication services, including television broadcasting and data transmission.
- **Reliable operation**: AUSSAT A3 was known for its stability and reliability in providing communication services.
- **Technological advancement**: Its successful launch and operation contributed to the advancement of satellite technology in Australia.

## Body
### Overview
AUSSAT A3 was an Australian communications satellite launched on September 16, 1987, by an Ariane 3 rocket from the Ensemble de Lancement Vega in French Guiana. It was the third satellite in the AUSSAT series, designed to provide telecommunications services to Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: The satellite had a launch mass of 1,250 kg and a service entry mass of 696 kg.
- **Diameter**: The satellite's diameter was 2.2 meters.
- **Power**: AUSSAT A3 was powered by a spacecraft solar array.
- **Spacecraft bus**: It used the Boeing 376 spacecraft bus.
- **Space tug**: The PAM-D space tug was used to deploy the satellite.

### Orbit and Operation
- **Orbit**: AUSSAT A3 was placed in a geostationary orbit, allowing it to remain stationary relative to the Earth's surface.
- **Operator**: The satellite was operated by Optus, an Australian telecommunications company.
- **COSPAR ID**: The satellite's COSPAR ID was 1987-078A.

### Significance
- **Telecommunications**: AUSSAT A3 provided essential communication services, including television broadcasting and data transmission.
- **Technological advancement**: Its successful launch and operation contributed to the advancement of satellite technology in Australia.
- **Reliability**: The satellite was known for its stability and reliability in providing communication services.

### Legacy
- **Predecessor**: AUSSAT A3 followed the AUSSAT A2 satellite, continuing the AUSSAT series' mission of providing telecommunications services.
- **Aliases**: The satellite was also known as AUSSAT 3, AUSSAT K3, and Optus A3.

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  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "AUSSAT A3",
  "description": "Australian communications satellite launched in 1987",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q18350", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AUSSAT_A3"],
  "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)