# COMSATBw 1

> German geostationary communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q11854828](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q11854828)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/comsatbw-1

## Summary
COMSATBw 1 is a German military communications satellite in geostationary orbit, operated by the Bundeswehr and the German Space Operations Center. Launched in 2009, it provides secure telecommunications for military purposes and has a design life of 15 years. The satellite was built by Astrium and Alcatel Alenia Space on the Spacebus-3000B2 platform.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: October 1, 2009, at 21:59 UTC ([source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/comsatbw-1.htm)).  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Ariane 5 ECA (flight V191) from ELA-3, Guiana Space Centre ([source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/comsatbw-1.htm)).  
- **Mass**: 2,440 kg (launch weight), 1,040 kg (dry weight) ([source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/comsatbw-1.htm)).  
- **Operator**: Bundeswehr and German Space Operations Center ([source](https://www.dlr.de/en/rb/research-operation/missions/communications/satcombw)).  
- **Orbit**: Geostationary ([source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/comsatbw-1.htm)).  
- **Design Life**: 15 years ([source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/comsatbw-1.htm)).  
- **Manufacturers**: Astrium (general contractor), Alcatel Alenia Space (spacecraft bus) ([source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/comsatbw-1.htm)).  
- **Power System**: 2 solar arrays and 1 S400 thruster ([source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/comsatbw-1.htm)).  

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of COMSATBw 1?  
A: It provides secure military satellite communications for the German armed forces (Bundeswehr), ensuring reliable and encrypted data transmission.  

### Q: Who built COMSATBw 1?  
A: The satellite was constructed by Astrium (general contractor) and Alcatel Alenia Space (spacecraft bus), using the Spacebus-3000B2 platform.  

### Q: How long is COMSATBw 1 expected to operate?  
A: Its design life is 15 years, though operational extensions are possible depending on fuel and system health.  

## Why It Matters  
COMSATBw 1 is critical for Germany’s military communications infrastructure, enabling secure and resilient data links for defense operations. As part of the SATCOMBw system, it ensures uninterrupted command and control capabilities, even in contested environments. Its geostationary position allows consistent coverage over strategic regions, reducing reliance on ground-based or foreign systems. The satellite’s advanced encryption and redundancy features make it a cornerstone of Germany’s national security space assets.  

## Notable For  
- **First dedicated military communications satellite** for Germany under the SATCOMBw program.  
- **Built on the Spacebus-3000B2 platform**, a proven design for high-reliability missions.  
- **Launched alongside Amazonas 2**, sharing an Ariane 5 ECA payload slot.  

## Body  
### Launch and Deployment  
- Launched on October 1, 2009, aboard Ariane 5 ECA (flight V191) from ELA-3, Guiana Space Centre.  
- Shared payload with Amazonas 2, a commercial communications satellite.  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Spacecraft Bus**: Spacebus-3000B2, manufactured by Alcatel Alenia Space.  
- **Power**: 2 solar arrays and 1 S400 thruster for station-keeping.  
- **Mass**: 2,440 kg at launch, 1,040 kg dry weight.  

### Operational Role  
- Provides X-band and UHF communications for the Bundeswehr.  
- Operated jointly by the Bundeswehr and German Space Operations Center (GSOC).  

### Partners and Manufacturers  
- **Prime Contractor**: Astrium (now Airbus Defence and Space).  
- **Bus Manufacturer**: Alcatel Alenia Space (now Thales Alenia Space).

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/comsatbw-1.htm)
2. [Source](https://www.dlr.de/en/rb/research-operation/missions/communications/satcombw)
3. Jonathan's Space Report