# CAT-1

> ESA artificial satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q48550](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q48550)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CAT-1)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cat-1

## Summary
CAT-1 was an artificial satellite operated by the European Space Agency (ESA), launched on December 24, 1979. It served as the first payload for the Ariane 1 rocket, functioning as a research satellite and technological capsule with a mass of 1602 kilograms.

## Key Facts
*   Launched on December 24, 1979, at 17:14:38 UTC.
*   Operated by the European Space Agency (ESA).
*   Served as the first payload (L01) for the Ariane 1 launch vehicle.
*   Classified as a research satellite and a former entity.
*   Had a mass of 1602 kilograms.
*   Also known by aliases such as Ariane Technological Capsule 1, Technological Capsule 1, and Obélix.
*   Powered by primary cells.
*   Manufactured by Aeritalia and Selenia.
*   Underwent atmospheric entry on November 27, 1989.

## FAQs
### Q: What was CAT-1?
A: CAT-1 was an artificial satellite operated by the European Space Agency (ESA). It was classified as a research satellite and served as a technological capsule, primarily to test the Ariane 1 launch vehicle.

### Q: When was CAT-1 launched?
A: CAT-1 was launched on December 24, 1979, at 17:14:38 UTC. It was the first payload carried by the Ariane 1 rocket.

### Q: What was the purpose of CAT-1?
A: As a research satellite and technological capsule, CAT-1's primary purpose was to test and validate the performance of the new Ariane 1 launch vehicle during its maiden flight (L01).

### Q: Who operated CAT-1?
A: CAT-1 was operated by the European Space Agency (ESA).

### Q: What happened to CAT-1?
A: CAT-1 remained in orbit for nearly a decade, undergoing atmospheric entry on November 27, 1989.

## Why It Matters
CAT-1 holds significant importance as the inaugural payload for the Ariane 1 launch vehicle, marking a pivotal moment in European space history. As a "technological capsule" and "research satellite," its mission was crucial for testing and validating the performance of the newly developed Ariane 1 rocket during its maiden flight (L01). The successful launch and operation of CAT-1 demonstrated the capabilities of the Ariane program, thereby establishing Europe's independent access to space. This foundational mission was fundamental to the subsequent success and evolution of the Ariane family of rockets, which became a cornerstone of commercial satellite launches and a symbol of European technological prowess in space. Its successful flight proved the viability of a new generation of heavy-lift launchers, directly impacting the future trajectory of global space transportation.

## Notable For
*   Being the first payload (L01) launched by the Ariane 1 rocket.
*   Serving as a "technological capsule" to validate the performance of a new launch vehicle.
*   Its role in the maiden flight of the Ariane program, establishing European independent access to space.

## Body
### Overview
CAT-1 was an artificial satellite operated by the European Space Agency (ESA). It is classified as a research satellite and a former entity.
It was also known by several aliases, including Ariane Technological Capsule 1, Technological Capsule 1, Obélix, CAT-01, and Capsule Ariane Technologique 1.

### Launch Details
CAT-1 was launched on December 24, 1979, at 17:14:38 UTC.
The launch vehicle used was Ariane 1, specifically its L01 flight.
The launch took place from ELA-1.
The satellite was manufactured by Aeritalia and Selenia.

### Technical Specifications
CAT-1 had a mass of 1602 kilograms.
It was powered by primary cells.

### Identifiers
Its Spacecraft Number (SCN) is 11645.
Its COSPAR ID is 1979-104A.
Its NSSDCA ID is 1979-104A.
Its Freebase ID is /m/0w7l9l1.
Its Wolfram Language Entity Code is Entity["Satellite", "11645"].

### Mission Events
A significant event was its rocket launch from ELA-1 on December 24, 1979.
CAT-1 underwent atmospheric entry on November 27, 1989.

### Related Entities
CAT-1 was followed by CAT-2, which was also an ESA artificial satellite but was lost in a launch failure.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/cat-1.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=11645)
4. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1979-104A)