# KA-SAT

> communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q1378850](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1378850)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KA-SAT)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ka-sat

## Summary
KA-SAT is a communications satellite operated by Eutelsat, launched on December 26, 2010, using a Proton-M rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. It is part of the geostationary orbit satellite family and serves as a key telecommunications platform.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Communications satellite
- **Operator**: Eutelsat
- **Launch Date**: December 26, 2010
- **Launch Vehicle**: Proton-M (part of the Proton family of rockets)
- **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit
- **Launch Site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200
- **Upper Stage**: Briz-M
- **COSPAR ID**: 2010-069A
- **Aliases**: Eutelsat KA-SAT 9A
- **Wikidata ID**: Q37258

## FAQs
### Q: What type of satellite is KA-SAT?
A: KA-SAT is a communications satellite designed for telecommunications, specifically operating in geostationary orbit.

### Q: Who operates KA-SAT?
A: KA-SAT is operated by Eutelsat, a leading satellite communications company.

### Q: When was KA-SAT launched?
A: KA-SAT was launched on December 26, 2010, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome using a Proton-M rocket.

### Q: What is the orbit of KA-SAT?
A: KA-SAT operates in a geostationary orbit, which is commonly used for communications satellites.

### Q: What is the significance of the Briz-M upper stage in KA-SAT's launch?
A: The Briz-M upper stage was used to place KA-SAT into its intended orbit, a common practice for Proton-M launches.

## Why It Matters
KA-SAT plays a crucial role in global telecommunications by providing reliable satellite-based communication services. As part of Eutelsat's fleet, it supports various applications, including broadcasting, internet connectivity, and business communications. Its placement in geostationary orbit ensures continuous coverage over a specific region, making it a vital asset for both commercial and government users. The satellite's successful deployment highlights the capabilities of the Proton-M launch vehicle and the Baikonur Cosmodrome in delivering advanced telecommunications infrastructure.

## Notable For
- **First Commercial Use of Proton-M**: KA-SAT was one of the first communications satellites launched by the Proton-M rocket, demonstrating its reliability for such missions.
- **Geostationary Orbit**: Its position in geostationary orbit ensures stable and continuous service over a fixed area.
- **Eutelsat Partnership**: The satellite is operated by Eutelsat, a major player in the satellite communications industry.
- **Briz-M Upper Stage**: The use of the Briz-M upper stage allowed for precise orbital insertion, a critical factor for communications satellites.
- **Baikonur Launch**: The launch from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200 marked a significant deployment for the Russian space program.

## Body
### Overview
KA-SAT is a communications satellite developed and operated by Eutelsat. It was launched on December 26, 2010, using a Proton-M rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The satellite is part of Eutelsat's fleet and is designed to provide telecommunications services, including broadcasting, internet connectivity, and business communications.

### Technical Specifications
- **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit, ensuring continuous coverage over a specific region.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Proton-M, a heavy-lift launch vehicle developed by the Russian space program.
- **Upper Stage**: Briz-M, used to adjust the satellite's orbit after separation from the launch vehicle.
- **Operator**: Eutelsat, a leading provider of satellite communications services.

### Launch Details
- **Launch Date**: December 26, 2010.
- **Launch Site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200, a key facility for Russian space launches.
- **COSPAR ID**: 2010-069A, the international identifier assigned by the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR).

### Significance
KA-SAT's successful deployment underscores the effectiveness of the Proton-M launch vehicle and the Baikonur Cosmodrome in delivering advanced telecommunications infrastructure. Its geostationary orbit position ensures reliable and continuous service, making it a valuable asset for global communications. The satellite's operation by Eutelsat further highlights the company's commitment to providing high-quality satellite services.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013