# Heinrich Hertz

> German communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q1597598](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1597598)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heinrich_Hertz_(satellite))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/heinrich-hertz-q1597598

## Summary
Heinrich Hertz (also known as H2Sat) is a German communications satellite operated by the German Aerospace Center (DLR). Launched on July 5, 2023, it is a geostationary satellite designed to serve as a platform for telecommunications research and development.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date:** July 5, 2023, at 22:00:07
- **Operator:** German Aerospace Center (DLR)
- **Manufacturer:** OHB System AG
- **Launch Vehicle:** Ariane 5 ECA (Mission VA261)
- **Launch Weight:** 3,408 kilograms
- **Spacecraft Bus:** SmallGEO
- **Orbit Type:** Geostationary orbit
- **Power System:** Two spacecraft solar arrays and HEMPT 3050
- **Identifiers:** COSPAR ID 2023-093A; NSSDCA ID 2023-093A; SCN 57213

## FAQs
### Q: Who operates the Heinrich Hertz satellite?
A: The satellite is operated by the German Aerospace Center (DLR), the national research center of Germany for aerospace, power engineering, transport, and security.

### Q: What was the launch vehicle for Heinrich Hertz?
A: Heinrich Hertz was launched using a European Ariane 5 ECA launch vehicle during mission VA261.

### Q: What is the purpose of the Heinrich Hertz satellite?
A: It is a geostationary communications satellite intended for telecommunications research and testing new technologies in space.

### Q: Where was the satellite launched from?
A: The satellite was launched from the ELA-3 launch site on July 5, 2023.

## Why It Matters
Heinrich Hertz represents a significant advancement in German aerospace infrastructure, providing a dedicated geostationary platform for telecommunications research. Managed by the German Aerospace Center (DLR), the satellite allows for the testing of new communications technologies under real space conditions. Its development and launch highlight the capabilities of German engineering, specifically through the use of the SmallGEO spacecraft bus manufactured by OHB System AG. By maintaining a geostationary orbit, the satellite provides a stable and continuous link for research and security-related communications, contributing to Germany's strategic autonomy in space-based telecommunications.

## Notable For
- **SmallGEO Platform:** Utilizes the SmallGEO spacecraft bus, a versatile platform for geostationary satellites developed by OHB System AG.
- **HEMPT 3050:** Features the HEMPT 3050 as part of its power and propulsion systems.
- **National Research Asset:** Serves as a primary research tool for the German Aerospace Center (DLR) to advance aerospace and security engineering.
- **Ariane 5 Legacy:** Was part of the VA261 mission, utilizing the heavy-lift Ariane 5 ECA launch vehicle.

## Body

### Technical Specifications
The Heinrich Hertz satellite, also identified as H2Sat or Heinrich-Hertz-Satellit, is a geostationary communications satellite with a launch weight of 3,408 kilograms. It was manufactured by OHB System AG and is based on the SmallGEO spacecraft bus. The satellite's power is generated by two spacecraft solar arrays and it incorporates the HEMPT 3050 system.

### Launch and Orbital Data
The satellite was launched on July 5, 2023, at 22:00:07 UTC from the ELA-3 launch site. It was carried into orbit by an Ariane 5 ECA launch vehicle (flight VA261). It is positioned in a geostationary orbit and is tracked under the COSPAR ID 2023-093A and NSSDCA ID 2023-093A. Its Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) is 57213.

### Management and Ownership
The German Aerospace Center (DLR) is the owner and operator of the satellite. The DLR is a research center of the Federal Republic of Germany with approximately 8,000 employees and headquarters in Cologne. The satellite is named after the German physicist Heinrich Hertz, who was instrumental in the study of electromagnetic waves.

### Mission Context
As an "instance of" both a communications satellite and a geostationary satellite, Heinrich Hertz is designed to facilitate telecommunications research. The project involves collaboration between the DLR and industrial partners like OHB System AG to maintain Germany's position in the global aerospace and research industry.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/heinrich-hertz.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report