# Express AM-1

> 28463

**Wikidata**: [Q111497413](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111497413)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/express-am-1

## Summary
Express AM-1 is an artificial satellite identified by the designation 28463. As a human-made object placed into orbit, it belongs to the broader class of spacecraft engineered for tasks such as communication, navigation, and scientific observation.

## Key Facts
- **Entity Code**: 28463
- **Classification**: Artificial satellite (subclass of spacecraft)
- **Wolfram Language Entity**: `Entity["Satellite", "28463"]`
- **Definition**: Human-made object put into an orbit
- **Primary Functions** (Class-based): Communication, navigation, scientific research, military applications
- **Orbital Nature**: Operates in space, specifically orbiting a celestial body

## FAQs
### Q: What is Express AM-1?
A: Express AM-1 is an artificial satellite, a type of human-made spacecraft placed into orbit, and is cataloged under the identifier 28463.

### Q: What is an artificial satellite?
A: An artificial satellite is a human-made object placed into orbit around a celestial body, such as the Earth. This category of spacecraft is utilized for diverse purposes including communication, navigation, and military surveillance.

### Q: How are artificial satellites like Express AM-1 categorized?
A: Satellites are categorized by their orbital types (e.g., geostationary, low Earth orbit) and their specific applications, such as passive communications, scientific research, or military use.

### Q: What distinguishes an artificial satellite from other spacecraft?
A: While "spacecraft" is a broad category that includes probes and crewed vehicles, an artificial satellite is specifically designed to orbit a celestial body rather than just travel through space.

## Why It Matters
Express AM-1 represents a component of the critical infrastructure that powers modern connectivity and data collection. As an artificial satellite, it is part of the technology backbone that enables global communication, real-time navigation, and internet connectivity. Satellites in this class revolutionized how humanity interacts with the planet, supporting everything from weather monitoring to military defense. They are indispensable for modern infrastructure, allowing for the transmission of television, telephony, and internet data across the globe.

## Notable For
- **Classification**: Identified as a distinct entity within the "Artificial Satellite" class.
- **Data Integration**: Indexed specifically by the Wolfram Language entity code `Entity["Satellite", "28463"]`.
- **Technological Lineage**: Shares the classification "artificial satellite" with historically significant predecessors like Sputnik 1 (the first human-made object in space) and Project Echo.

## Body
### Classification and Identity
Express AM-1 is defined in the knowledge base as an **artificial satellite**. It is specifically identified by the numeric designation **28463**. In structured data systems, such as the Wolfram Language, it is represented by the entity code `Entity["Satellite", "28463"]`. As an artificial satellite, it is fundamentally a human-made object put into an orbit, distinct from natural celestial bodies.

### Characteristics of Artificial Satellites
As a member of the artificial satellite class, Express AM-1 falls under the broader category of **spacecraft**. These objects are engineered to operate in space, typically orbiting the Earth.
*   **Function**: Artificial satellites generally serve multiple high-level functions including communication, navigation, scientific research, and military applications.
*   **Operation**: They maintain orbit through a balance of gravitational pull and forward velocity, which creates centrifugal force to counteract gravity.

### Orbital Types and Variants
Artificial satellites can be deployed into various orbital paths depending on their mission profiles. While the specific orbit of Express AM-1 is defined by its unique identifier, the general class of satellites utilizes several standard orbital types:
*   **Geostationary**: Satellites that remain fixed over a specific point on Earth.
*   **Low Earth Orbit (LEO)**: Often used for communication and Earth observation.
*   **Heliocentric**: Orbits around the Sun.

Additionally, the class includes specialized variants such as:
*   **Passive satellites**: Examples include Project Echo, which reflected radio signals.
*   **Tethered satellites**: Systems consisting of two parts connected by a cable.
*   **Miniaturized satellites**: Includes femtosatellites and picosatellites.
*   **Orbital power plants**: Designed to capture solar energy.

### Historical and Industry Context
The classification "artificial satellite" was pioneered by the launch of **Sputnik 1** by the Soviet Union on October 4, 1957. This event marked the beginning of the space age. Since then, the industry has expanded to include military constellations (like Syracuse 4 and Gonets-M) and scientific missions (such as PAGEOS and Environmental Research Satellites).

### Modern Challenges
The operation of satellites like Express AM-1 occurs within an environment facing challenges such as **space debris** and **orbital congestion**. Defunct satellites and fragments pose collision risks to active infrastructure. Consequently, the industry is developing space debris removal satellites to address orbital clutter and ensure sustainability.