# Kalpana-1

> communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q51518](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q51518)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalpana-1)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kalpana-1

## Summary
Kalpana-1 is an Indian communications satellite launched on September 12, 2002, by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to provide telecommunications services. Named after astronaut Kalpana Chawla, it was deployed via a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-G (PSLV-G) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The satellite operates in geostationary transfer orbit, supporting India's communication infrastructure.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: September 12, 2002.
- **Operator/Owner**: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
- **Mass**: 1,060 kilograms.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-G (PSLV-G).
- **Named After**: Kalpana Chawla, the first Indian-American astronaut.
- **COSPAR ID**: 2002-043A.
- **Orbit**: Geostationary transfer orbit with 0° inclination.
- **Country**: India.
- **Launch Site**: Satish Dhawan Space Centre First Launch Pad.

## FAQs
### Q: When was Kalpana-1 launched?
A: Kalpana-1 was launched on September 12, 2002, aboard a PSLV-G rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in India.

### Q: Who is Kalpana-1 named after?
A: The satellite is named in honor of Kalpana Chawla, a NASA astronaut of Indian origin who died in the 2003 Space Shuttle Columbia disaster.

### Q: What is the purpose of Kalpana-1?
A: Kalpana-1 serves as a communications satellite, providing telecommunications services from its position in geostationary transfer orbit.

## Why It Matters
Kalpana-1 plays a critical role in India's telecommunications network, enabling broadcast, meteorological, and communication services across the country. As a satellite launched by ISRO, it demonstrates India's advancements in space technology and its ability to deploy cost-effective satellites into strategic orbits. Named after Kalpana Chawla, it also symbolizes a tribute to her contributions to space exploration, inspiring future generations in STEM fields. The mission highlights ISRO's capabilities with the PSLV-G launch vehicle, reinforcing India's position in the global space sector.

## Notable For
- **Tribute to Kalpana Chawla**: The first Indian satellite named after the astronaut, commemorating her legacy.
- **PSLV-G Launch**: Utilized the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-G, showcasing ISRO's rocket capabilities.
- **Geostationary Orbit**: Operates in a high Earth orbit (35,779 km apoapsis) critical for continuous communication coverage.
- **ISRO Milestone**: Part of India's expanding fleet of communication satellites, enhancing national infrastructure.

## Body
### Launch Details
- **Date**: September 12, 2002.
- **Vehicle**: Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-G (PSLV-G).
- **Site**: Satish Dhawan Space Centre First Launch Pad, Sriharikota, India.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 1,060 kg.
- **COSPAR ID**: 2002-043A.
- **SCN**: 27525.
- **Orbital Inclination**: 0° (equatorial orbit).

### Orbital Characteristics
- **Apoapsis**: 35,779.0 km.
- **Periapsis**: 35,807.7 km.
- **Orbit Type**: Geostationary transfer orbit.

### Naming and Legacy
- **Namesake**: Kalpana Chawla, selected by the Prime Minister of India.
- **Significance**: Honors Chawla's contributions to spaceflight and serves as a symbol of Indo-American collaboration in space exploration.

### Operator and Ownership
- **ISRO Role**: Both operator and owner, overseeing launch, operations, and mission objectives.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.isro.gov.in/launchers/list-of-pslv-launches)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. [Source](https://www.isro.gov.in/spacecraft/list-of-communication-satellites)