# Microsat-1

> Argentine Earth observation satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q1571699](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1571699)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/microsat-1

## Summary
Microsat-1 (also known as MuSat-1 or Víctor) is an Argentine Earth observation microsatellite developed by the Regional University of Cordoba IUA. Launched in 1996, it was part of Argentina's early efforts in space technology and operated until its atmospheric reentry in 1999. With a mass of 33 kg, it was classified as a microsatellite.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: August 29, 1996, at 05:22:00 UTC from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367)).  
- **Mass**: 33 kg ([reference](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1996-050A)).  
- **Operator**: Regional University of Cordoba IUA ([reference](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/musat-1.htm)).  
- **COSPAR ID**: 1996-050A (shared with other payloads).  
- **Reentry Date**: November 12, 1999 ([reference](https://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=24291)).  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Molniya-M rocket (serial number 76047-680) ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367)).  
- **Country of Origin**: Argentina ([reference](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1996-050A)).  
- **Class**: Microsatellite (<100–200 kg).  

## FAQs
### Q: What was Microsat-1's primary mission?  
A: Microsat-1 was designed for Earth observation, though specific payload details are not widely documented. It contributed to Argentina's early satellite development efforts.  

### Q: How long did Microsat-1 remain operational?  
A: It operated for approximately three years before reentering Earth's atmosphere on November 12, 1999.  

### Q: Who built Microsat-1?  
A: It was developed and operated by the Regional University of Cordoba IUA (Instituto Universitario Aeronáutico).  

## Why It Matters  
Microsat-1 marked Argentina's entry into microsatellite technology, demonstrating the country's capability to develop and deploy compact, cost-effective Earth observation systems. As part of a broader trend toward miniaturized satellites in the 1990s, it showcased how smaller satellites could perform specialized missions without the expense of larger platforms. Though its operational lifespan was short, Microsat-1 laid groundwork for later Argentine satellite projects, such as the SAC series. Its launch via a Soviet Molniya-M rocket also highlights international collaboration in space during the post-Cold War era.  

## Notable For
- **Early Argentine Microsatellite**: One of Argentina's first microsatellites, paving the way for future domestic space projects.  
- **Lightweight Design**: At 33 kg, it exemplified the microsatellite class's efficiency.  
- **International Launch**: Deployed from Russia's Plesetsk Cosmodrome, reflecting cross-border space partnerships.  

## Body  
### Launch and Deployment  
- Launched on **August 29, 1996**, aboard a Molniya-M rocket (serial number 76047-680) from **Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43**.  
- Shared the launch with other payloads, as indicated by its COSPAR ID (**1996-050A**).  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Mass**: 33 kg, qualifying it as a microsatellite.  
- **Operator**: Regional University of Cordoba IUA, an Argentine academic institution.  

### Operational Timeline  
- **Active Period**: 1996–1999.  
- **Reentry**: Decayed and burned up in the atmosphere on **November 12, 1999**.  

### Legacy  
- Preceded more advanced Argentine satellites like the SAC (Scientific Applications Satellite) series.  
- Demonstrated Argentina's early expertise in microsatellite design and collaboration with international launch providers.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/musat-1.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1996-050A)
4. [Source](https://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=24291)