# Azur

> first German scientific satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q23663](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q23663)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azur_(satellite))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/azur

## Summary
Azur (also known as GRS A or German Research Satellite-A) was the first German scientific satellite, launched on November 8, 1969. As an Earth observation satellite, it was designed to orbit the Earth and conduct scientific research. Weighing 72 kilograms, Azur was launched from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 5 using a Scout B rocket into a polar orbit.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name**: Azur (also known as GRS A, GRS 1, GRS-A, or German Research Satellite-A)
- **Launch Date**: November 8, 1969
- **Significance**: First German scientific satellite
- **Mass**: 72 kilograms
- **Orbit Type**: Polar orbit
- **Apoapsis**: 1,257 kilometers
- **Periapsis**: 356 kilometers
- **Launch Vehicle**: Scout B rocket
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 5
- **Capital Cost**: 80,000,000 Deutsche Mark
- **COSPAR ID**: 1969-097A
- **NSSDCA ID**: 1969-097A
- **Satellite Classification**: Earth observation satellite, artificial satellite of the Earth

## FAQs
### Q: What was the Azur satellite?
A: Azur was the first German scientific satellite, launched on November 8, 1969. It was an Earth observation satellite designed to study the planet from orbit.

### Q: When was Azur launched?
A: Azur was launched on November 8, 1969, from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 5 using a Scout B rocket.

### Q: How much did the Azur satellite weigh?
A: Azur had a mass of 72 kilograms.

### Q: What type of orbit did Azur have?
A: Azur operated in a polar orbit with a periapsis of 356 kilometers and an apoapsis of 1,257 kilometers.

## Why It Matters
Azur holds a significant place in space exploration history as Germany's first scientific satellite. Launched in 1969, it marked Germany's entry into the space age as an independent operator of scientific spacecraft, rather than simply a contributor to international projects. The mission demonstrated Germany's technological capabilities in satellite design, construction, and operation.

The satellite's primary role as an Earth observation platform helped pioneer remote sensing techniques that would become essential for environmental monitoring, weather forecasting, and climate research. Its polar orbit allowed it to cover the entire Earth's surface, providing comprehensive observational data.

Azur's successful development and launch also established important precedents for German space policy and industry. With a capital cost of 80 million Deutsche Marks, the project represented a major investment in space technology and infrastructure. This mission laid the groundwork for future German space endeavors and contributed to the growth of the German aerospace sector, which would become a key player in European and international space programs.

## Notable For
- **First German Scientific Satellite**: Azur holds the distinction of being Germany's first independently developed and operated scientific satellite.
- **Early Earth Observation**: As an Earth observation satellite launched in 1969, it was among the early generation of spacecraft dedicated to studying the Earth from orbit.
- **Polar Orbit Mission**: Azur's operation in a polar orbit enabled it to observe the entire Earth's surface, a capability crucial for comprehensive Earth science studies.
- **Scout B Launch Vehicle**: The use of the Scout B rocket for its launch highlights the international cooperation and technology exchange of the early space era.
- **Significant Investment**: The project's cost of 80 million Deutsche Marks underscores the substantial commitment Germany made to establish its space program.

## Body

### Development and Design
Azur, designated as GRS A (German Research Satellite-A), was developed as Germany's inaugural scientific satellite. The spacecraft had a mass of 72 kilograms, making it a relatively compact satellite for its time. It was designed to operate in a polar orbit, a choice that maximized its observational coverage of the Earth.

### Launch and Orbit
Azur was successfully launched on November 8, 1969, from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 5. The launch vehicle used was a Scout B rocket, a reliable launch system of that era. The satellite was inserted into a polar orbit with the following parameters:
- **Periapsis**: 356 kilometers
- **Apoapsis**: 1,257 kilometers

This orbital configuration allowed Azur to achieve comprehensive coverage of the Earth's surface as the planet rotated beneath its orbital path.

### Mission and Scientific Goals
As an Earth observation satellite, Azur was equipped with instruments designed to study the Earth from space. While specific instruments are not detailed in the provided information, the classification as an Earth observation satellite indicates that its mission likely involved remote sensing of the Earth's surface, atmosphere, or both. The mission contributed to the early development of space-based Earth science.

### Identifiers and Records
Azur is cataloged in major space object databases with the following identifiers:
- **COSPAR ID**: 1969-097A
- **NSSDCA ID**: 1969-097A

These identifiers are used to track and catalog the satellite in international space object registries.

### Economic and Programmatic Context
The Azur program represented a significant financial investment for Germany, with a reported capital cost of 80,000,000 Deutsche Marks. This investment reflected the importance placed on establishing an independent national capability in space science and technology. The project was a foundational step for Germany's subsequent space activities and contributions to international space programs.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. [Source](https://www.dlr.de/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-832/1332_read-2578/)
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013