# Fox-1A

> American amateur radio satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q21405967](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q21405967)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fox-1A)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/fox-1a

## Summary
Fox-1A, also known as AO-85, is an American amateur radio satellite launched on October 8, 2015, to provide communication services for amateur radio operators. As a CubeSat, it demonstrated miniaturized satellite technology and supported educational initiatives, operating until its retirement in December 2018.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: October 8, 2015, at 12:49 UTC.
- **Operators**: Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation-North America (AMSAT-NA) and Pennsylvania State University.
- **Mass**: 1 kilogram.
- **Classification**: CubeSat and amateur radio satellite.
- **Country of Origin**: United States.
- **COSPAR ID**: 2015-058D.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Atlas V 401 (AV-058).
- **Service Period**: November 2015–December 2018.
- **Aliases**: AMSAT OSCAR 85, AO-85, AO85, OSCAR 85.

## FAQs
### Q: When was Fox-1A launched and how was it deployed?
A: Fox-1A launched on October 8, 2015, aboard an Atlas V 401 rocket from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 3 East as part of the Educational Launch of Nanosatellites (ELaNa) initiative.

### Q: What was the primary purpose of Fox-1A?
A: Fox-1A served as an amateur radio satellite, enabling communication for licensed radio operators worldwide and supporting educational outreach in satellite technology.

### Q: Is Fox-1A still operational?
A: No, Fox-1A was retired in December 2018 due to battery depletion and power system issues, ending its operational lifespan.

## Why It Matters
Fox-1A played a significant role in advancing amateur radio communication and education. As a CubeSat, it exemplified the potential of low-cost, miniaturized satellites for technology demonstration and community engagement. Operated by AMSAT-NA and Penn State University, it provided a platform for radio enthusiasts to experiment with space-based communication, fostering interest in STEM fields. Its inclusion in the ELaNa program highlighted its educational value, and its three-year operational lifespan demonstrated the viability of small satellites for sustained service. Fox-1A also bridged the gap left by the retirement of AMSAT Echo, ensuring continued access to amateur satellite resources.

## Notable For
- **CubeSat Design**: A 1U CubeSat with a 10cm-sided cubic structure, showcasing miniaturized satellite engineering.
- **Replacement of AMSAT Echo**: Succeeded the AMSAT Echo satellite to maintain amateur radio communication capabilities.
- **Educational Collaboration**: Jointly operated by AMSAT-NA and Pennsylvania State University, emphasizing academic and technical partnerships.
- **Atlas V 401 Launch**: Deployed via a United Launch Alliance Atlas V 401 rocket, part of a rideshare mission.
- **Distinctive Aliases**: Known by multiple designations, including AO-85 and OSCAR 85, reflecting its integration into amateur radio satellite traditions.

## Body
### Launch and Deployment
Fox-1A launched on October 8, 2015, at 12:49 UTC, aboard an Atlas V 401 rocket (AV-058) from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 3 East in California. It was part of the 12th Educational Launch of Nanosatellites (ELaNa) mission, which supported student-built spacecraft.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 1 kilogram.
- **Classification**: CubeSat (1U) and amateur radio satellite.
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit.
- **Identifiers**: COSPAR ID 2015-058D, NSSDCA ID 2015-058D, and satellite catalog number 40967.

### Mission and Operations
- **Operators**: Primary operators included the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation-North America (AMSAT-NA) and Pennsylvania State University.
- **Service Activation**: Commissioned in November 2015, providing FM radio repeater services for amateur operators.
- **Retirement**: Ceased operations in December 2018 due to power system failures, concluding a three-year mission.

### Legacy
Fox-1A replaced the AMSAT Echo satellite and carried on the tradition of amateur radio satellites, enabling global communication experiments. Its mission supported educational outreach and technical innovation, aligning with the goals of the CubeSat and ELaNa programs. Despite its retirement, it remains notable for its role in fostering amateur radio communities and demonstrating small satellite capabilities.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/fox-1a.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://www.amsat.org/ao-85-commissioned-handed-over-to-amsat-na-operations/)
4. [Source](https://www.amsat.org/ao-85-status-update/)