# D5-B

> French satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q14861858](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q14861858)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/d5-b

## Summary
D5-B is a French satellite launched on May 17, 1975, aboard the Diamant expendable rocket from the ELA-3 launch site. It is designated under the COSPAR ID 1975-039B and is also known by the alias "Castor." The satellite represents a component of France's space exploration efforts during the 1970s.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: May 17, 1975 (reference: Q6272367).
- **Launch Vehicle**: Diamant, a French expendable satellite launcher.
- **COSPAR ID**: 1975-039B.
- **NSSDCA ID**: 1975-039B.
- **Country**: France.
- **Part Of**: Q1261825 (specific program/mission context).
- **Aliases**: Castor.
- **SCN**: 07802 (reference: Q6272367).
- **Launch Site**: ELA-3.

## FAQs
### Q: When was D5-B launched?
A: D5-B was launched on May 17, 1975, using the French Diamant rocket from the ELA-3 site.

### Q: What rocket launched D5-B?
A: The Diamant expendable launch vehicle, developed by France, was used to deploy D5-B into space.

### Q: What is D5-B's significance?
A: D5-B is notable as a French satellite launched during a period of active space development in France, showcasing the country's capabilities in rocket technology and space exploration.

## Why It Matters
D5-B holds importance as part of France's historical space endeavors, particularly during the 1970s when the nation was advancing its independent space program. The satellite's launch on the Diamant rocket underscores France's technological achievements in developing domestic launch systems, reducing reliance on foreign infrastructure. While specific mission details are limited, D5-B contributes to the broader narrative of France's investment in space research and its efforts to establish itself as a key player in the global space community. Its launch from ELA-3 and association with the Diamant program highlight the integration of launch facilities and vehicle development, reflecting coordinated national initiatives in space exploration.

## Notable For
- Launched by the French Diamant rocket, a hallmark of France's expendable launch vehicle technology.
- Part of the Q1261825 program/mission, indicating involvement in a structured French space initiative.
- Identified by the alias "Castor," suggesting potential associations with other satellites or mission components.
- Designated with unique identifiers (COSPAR ID 1975-039B, SCN 07802) for tracking and cataloging purposes.
- Launched from the ELA-3 site, a facility integral to France's space operations.

## Body
### Launch Details
- **Date**: May 17, 1975.
- **Vehicle**: Diamant, a French-built expendable rocket designed for satellite deployment.
- **Site**: ELA-3, serving as the launch point for this mission.

### Technical Specifications
- **COSPAR ID**: 1975-039B (international designation for satellite tracking).
- **NSSDCA ID**: 1975-039B (U.S. National Space Science Data Center identifier).
- **SCN**: 07802 (Wolfram Language entity code: Entity["Satellite", "07802"]).
- **Alias**: "Castor," providing an alternative designation for the satellite.

### Mission Context
- **Country**: France, reflecting the nation's active space program during the 1970s.
- **Part Of**: Q1261825, indicating involvement in a broader mission or programmatic framework, though specific details remain unspecified in available sources.

### Legacy
D5-B exemplifies France's mid-20th-century efforts to develop autonomous space capabilities, including rocketry and satellite technology. Its launch on the Diamant vehicle and association with domestic infrastructure (e.g., ELA-3) underscore the integration of technological, logistical, and national ambitions in space exploration. While detailed mission objectives are not elaborated in provided sources, the satellite's documented identifiers and launch parameters confirm its role as a component of France's historical space activities.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report