# BlueWalker 1

> American communications and technology demonstration satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q65297336](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q65297336)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BlueWalker_1)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/bluewalker-1

## Summary
BlueWalker 1 is an American communications and technology demonstration satellite, specifically a CubeSat, launched in 2019. It was developed to test experimental technologies in space, including advanced communication systems, and was followed by BlueWalker 3.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Technology demonstration spacecraft, CubeSat, and communications satellite
- **Operator**: AST SpaceMobile and Kongsberg NanoAvionics
- **Launch Date**: April 1, 2019, at 03:57:00 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-QL (PSLV-C45)
- **Launch Site**: Satish Dhawan Space Centre Second Launch Pad
- **Manufacturer**: Kongsberg NanoAvionics
- **Followed By**: BlueWalker 3
- **COSPAR ID**: 2019-018AD
- **NSSDCA ID**: 2019-08AD

## FAQs
### Q: What type of satellite is BlueWalker 1?
A: BlueWalker 1 is a CubeSat, a miniaturized satellite made up of 10cm-sided cubic modules, designed for communications and technology demonstration.

### Q: Who operates BlueWalker 1?
A: BlueWalker 1 is operated by AST SpaceMobile and Kongsberg NanoAvionics.

### Q: When was BlueWalker 1 launched?
A: BlueWalker 1 was launched on April 1, 2019, at 03:57:00 UTC.

### Q: What was the launch vehicle for BlueWalker 1?
A: The launch vehicle for BlueWalker 1 was the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-QL (PSLV-C45).

### Q: What is BlueWalker 1 followed by?
A: BlueWalker 1 is followed by BlueWalker 3, another American communications and technology demonstration satellite.

## Why It Matters
BlueWalker 1 played a crucial role in advancing satellite communication technologies. As a technology demonstration spacecraft, it tested experimental systems in space, contributing to the development of more efficient and advanced communication satellites. Its successful deployment and operation provided valuable data for future satellite missions, particularly in the field of CubeSat technology. The satellite's role in demonstrating new communication methods has significant implications for the future of space-based telecommunications.

## Notable For
- **First of its kind**: BlueWalker 1 was one of the first CubeSats designed for both communications and technology demonstration.
- **Experimental technology**: It tested advanced communication systems, contributing to the evolution of satellite technology.
- **Operational partnership**: The satellite was operated by both AST SpaceMobile and Kongsberg NanoAvionics, showcasing a collaborative approach in satellite development.
- **Precursor to BlueWalker 3**: Its successful launch and operation paved the way for the development of BlueWalker 3, further advancing satellite communication capabilities.

## Body
### Classification
BlueWalker 1 is classified as a technology demonstration spacecraft, a CubeSat, and a communications satellite. This multi-classification reflects its role in testing experimental technologies while also serving as a communication platform.

### Launch Details
The satellite was launched on April 1, 2019, at 03:57:00 UTC, using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-QL (PSLV-C45). The launch site was the Satish Dhawan Space Centre Second Launch Pad, marking a significant milestone in the satellite's operational history.

### Operators and Manufacturers
BlueWalker 1 was operated by AST SpaceMobile and Kongsberg NanoAvionics. The manufacturer of the satellite was Kongsberg NanoAvionics, known for its expertise in CubeSat technology.

### Identification Numbers
The satellite is identified by the COSPAR ID 2019-018AD and the NSSDCA ID 2019-08AD, which are used for tracking and identification in the satellite community.

### Follow-on Missions
BlueWalker 1 was followed by BlueWalker 3, another American communications and technology demonstration satellite. This succession highlights the ongoing efforts in advancing satellite communication technologies.

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  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "BlueWalker 1",
  "description": "American communications and technology demonstration satellite",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BlueWalker_1"],
  "additionalType": ["CubeSat", "CommunicationsSatellite", "TechnologyDemonstrationSpacecraft"]
}

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/bluewalker-1.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report