# Intelsat I

> the first commercial communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q1250614](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1250614)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intelsat_I)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/intelsat-i

## Summary
Intelsat I, also known as Early Bird, was the first commercial communications satellite, launched on April 6, 1965. Developed by Hughes Aircraft Company and operated by COMSAT, it revolutionized global telecommunications by enabling transatlantic television broadcasts and data transmission.

## Key Facts
- **First commercial communications satellite**: Launched on April 6, 1965, marking a milestone in satellite technology.
- **Operator**: Operated by COMSAT (Communications Satellite Corporation).
- **Manufacturer**: Built by Hughes Aircraft Company.
- **Launch vehicle**: Launched aboard a Delta D rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17.
- **Orbit**: Geosynchronous orbit with an orbital period of 1,437.4 minutes.
- **Apoapsis**: 35,831.1 kilometers.
- **Periapsis**: 35,807.4 kilometers.
- **Semi-major axis**: 42,190 kilometers.
- **Orbital inclination**: 1.8 degrees.
- **Call sign**: "Early Bird."
- **Aliases**: Early Bird, Pájaro Madrugador, Intelsat I F-1.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Intelsat I?
A: Intelsat I, known as Early Bird, was designed to enable transatlantic television broadcasts and data transmission, revolutionizing global communications.

### Q: Who launched Intelsat I?
A: Intelsat I was launched by Hughes Aircraft Company and operated by COMSAT on April 6, 1965, aboard a Delta D rocket.

### Q: What was unique about Intelsat I?
A: As the first commercial communications satellite, Intelsat I paved the way for modern satellite telecommunications, facilitating global broadcasting and data transmission.

### Q: Where was Intelsat I launched from?
A: Intelsat I was launched from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17.

### Q: What was the orbital period of Intelsat I?
A: Intelsat I had an orbital period of 1,437.4 minutes, maintaining a geosynchronous orbit.

## Why It Matters
Intelsat I, or Early Bird, was a groundbreaking achievement in satellite technology, marking the first successful commercial communications satellite. Launched in 1965, it enabled transatlantic television broadcasts and data transmission, revolutionizing global telecommunications. Operated by COMSAT and built by Hughes Aircraft Company, Early Bird demonstrated the feasibility of satellite-based communication, paving the way for the modern satellite industry. Its success laid the foundation for the Intelsat network, which later expanded to provide global telecommunications services. Early Bird’s achievements in geosynchronous orbit and long-distance communication set a new standard for satellite technology, influencing future developments in space-based infrastructure.

## Notable For
- **First commercial communications satellite**: Pioneered satellite-based global telecommunications.
- **Transatlantic television broadcasts**: Enabled early international broadcasting.
- **Geosynchronous orbit**: Maintained a stable orbital position for reliable communication.
- **Delta D launch**: Successfully deployed aboard the Delta D rocket.
- **COMSAT operation**: Operated by COMSAT, a key player in early satellite communications.

## Body
### Overview
Intelsat I, officially named Early Bird, was the first commercial communications satellite, launched on April 6, 1965. Developed by Hughes Aircraft Company and operated by COMSAT, it was a significant milestone in satellite technology, enabling transatlantic television broadcasts and data transmission.

### Launch and Orbit
- **Launch date**: April 6, 1965.
- **Launch vehicle**: Delta D rocket.
- **Launch site**: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17.
- **Orbit**: Geosynchronous orbit.
- **Orbital period**: 1,437.4 minutes.
- **Apoapsis**: 35,831.1 kilometers.
- **Periapsis**: 35,807.4 kilometers.
- **Semi-major axis**: 42,190 kilometers.
- **Orbital inclination**: 1.8 degrees.

### Technical Specifications
- **Manufacturer**: Hughes Aircraft Company.
- **Operator**: COMSAT.
- **Call sign**: "Early Bird."
- **Aliases**: Early Bird, Pájaro Madrugador, Intelsat I F-1.

### Significance
- **First commercial communications satellite**: Revolutionized global telecommunications.
- **Transatlantic television broadcasts**: Enabled early international broadcasting.
- **Geosynchronous orbit**: Maintained a stable orbital position for reliable communication.
- **Delta D launch**: Successfully deployed aboard the Delta D rocket.
- **COMSAT operation**: Operated by COMSAT, a key player in early satellite communications.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/intelsat-1.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](http://www.astronautix.com/i/intelsat.html)
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. [Source](https://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=1317)