# Clémentine

> French military satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q2980729](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2980729)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clémentine_(satellite))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/clementine-q2980729

## Summary
Clémentine is a French military satellite launched in 1999. It was deployed aboard an Ariane 40 rocket from the ELA-2 launch site as part of a mission that also included the Hélios 2A satellite.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: December 3, 1999, at 16:22:46 UTC ([source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Ariane 40 (Flight V124) ([source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Launch Site**: ELA-2, French Guiana ([source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **COSPAR ID**: 1999-064B ([source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q177837))  
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 25978 ([source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q177837))  
- **Class**: Military satellite ([source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q177837))  
- **Associated Mission**: Launched alongside Hélios 2A ([source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  

## FAQs
### Q: What type of satellite is Clémentine?  
A: Clémentine is a military satellite designed for defense-related purposes.  

### Q: When was Clémentine launched?  
A: It was launched on December 3, 1999, aboard an Ariane 40 rocket.  

### Q: Where was Clémentine launched from?  
A: It was launched from ELA-2, a launch site in French Guiana.  

## Why It Matters  
Clémentine represents France's strategic investment in space-based military capabilities. As a military satellite, it likely supports reconnaissance, communication, or surveillance operations, enhancing national security. Its launch alongside Hélios 2A—a prominent optical imaging satellite—suggests a coordinated effort to bolster France's defense infrastructure. Military satellites like Clémentine play a critical role in modern warfare and intelligence, providing real-time data and secure communications.  

## Notable For  
- **Military Application**: Designed explicitly for defense purposes, distinguishing it from civilian satellites.  
- **Ariane 40 Launch**: Part of a mission using the Ariane 40 rocket, a variant of the Ariane 4 series.  
- **Joint Deployment**: Launched concurrently with Hélios 2A, indicating a multi-satellite payload mission.  

## Body  
### Launch Details  
- **Date**: December 3, 1999  
- **Time**: 16:22:46 UTC  
- **Site**: ELA-2, French Guiana  
- **Rocket**: Ariane 40 (Flight V124)  

### Mission Context  
- Deployed alongside Hélios 2A, suggesting a dual-payload launch.  
- Part of France's broader military satellite program.  

### Technical Specifications  
- **COSPAR ID**: 1999-064B  
- **Satellite Catalog Number**: 25978  
- **Class**: Military satellite

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report