# ITAMSAT

> Italian amateur radio satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q2790523](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2790523)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/itamsat

## Summary
ITAMSAT is an Italian amateur radio satellite launched on September 26, 1993, as part of the OSCAR series. It was designed by the Associazione Radioamatori Italiani and operated by AMSAT, serving as a communications platform for amateur radio enthusiasts.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Amateur radio satellite (OSCAR series)
- **Operator**: AMSAT (Amateur Radio Satellite Corporation)
- **Designed by**: Associazione Radioamatori Italiani
- **Launch date**: September 26, 1993
- **Launch vehicle**: Ariane 40
- **Launch site**: ELA-2 (European Spaceport, French Guiana)
- **Orbital period**: 100.7 minutes
- **Apoapsis**: 802.7 km
- **Periapsis**: 791.3 km
- **Orbital inclination**: 98.9 degrees
- **Status**: Inactive
- **COSPAR ID**: 1993-061D

## FAQs
### Q: What was ITAMSAT's purpose?
A: ITAMSAT was an amateur radio satellite designed to provide communication services for radio amateurs worldwide.

### Q: Who operated ITAMSAT?
A: ITAMSAT was operated by AMSAT, the Amateur Radio Satellite Corporation.

### Q: When was ITAMSAT launched?
A: ITAMSAT was launched on September 26, 1993, aboard an Ariane 40 rocket from ELA-2.

### Q: Is ITAMSAT still active?
A: No, ITAMSAT is classified as inactive.

### Q: What was ITAMSAT's orbital period?
A: ITAMSAT had an orbital period of 100.7 minutes.

## Why It Matters
ITAMSAT played a crucial role in the OSCAR series of amateur radio satellites, which have been instrumental in advancing amateur radio communications and space exploration. As part of AMSAT's mission, ITAMSAT enabled radio enthusiasts to experiment with satellite communications, contributing to the development of global amateur radio networks. Its launch and operation demonstrated the feasibility of using satellites for non-commercial, educational, and experimental purposes, inspiring future generations of radio amateurs and space enthusiasts.

## Notable For
- **First Italian amateur radio satellite**: ITAMSAT was the first satellite designed and operated by Italian amateur radio organizations.
- **OSCAR series contribution**: It was part of the OSCAR series, which has been a cornerstone of amateur satellite communications.
- **Ariane 40 launch**: ITAMSAT was launched aboard an Ariane 40 rocket, a significant milestone for the Ariane program.
- **AMSAT collaboration**: The satellite was operated by AMSAT, a leading organization in amateur satellite communications.
- **Inactive status**: Despite its eventual deactivation, ITAMSAT's legacy continues to influence amateur radio and space exploration.

## Body
### Overview
ITAMSAT was an Italian amateur radio satellite launched on September 26, 1993, as part of the OSCAR series. It was designed by the Associazione Radioamatori Italiani and operated by AMSAT, the Amateur Radio Satellite Corporation.

### Technical Specifications
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit (LEO)
- **Apoapsis**: 802.7 km
- **Periapsis**: 791.3 km
- **Orbital inclination**: 98.9 degrees
- **Orbital period**: 100.7 minutes
- **COSPAR ID**: 1993-061D

### Launch Details
- **Launch vehicle**: Ariane 40
- **Launch site**: ELA-2 (European Spaceport, French Guiana)
- **Launch date**: September 26, 1993

### Status and Legacy
- **State of use**: Inactive
- **Significance**: ITAMSAT contributed to the OSCAR series, which has been pivotal in amateur radio satellite communications. Its launch and operation highlighted the potential of satellites for non-commercial and educational purposes.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report