# Morelos 1

> former Mexican communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q6024090](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6024090)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/morelos-1

## Summary
Morelos 1 was Mexico's first communications satellite, launched on June 17, 1985, as part of the Morelos Satellite System to provide telecommunications services across Mexico. It was manufactured by Hughes Aircraft Company and deployed using NASA's Space Shuttle Discovery.

## Key Facts
- Morelos 1 was launched on June 17, 1985 at 11:33:00 from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A
- It was manufactured by Hughes Aircraft Company using the Boeing 376 spacecraft bus
- The satellite had a launch mass of 1140 kg and service entry mass of 646.5 kg
- Morelos 1 was 6.62 meters in height and 2.16 meters in diameter
- It was powered by spacecraft solar arrays and used a PAM-D space tug
- Morelos 1 was part of the Morelos Satellite System, which began in 1985
- The satellite was followed by Morelos 2 in the Mexican communications satellite program
- Its COSPAR ID and NSSDCA ID were both 1985-048B

## FAQs
### Q: What was Morelos 1?
A: Morelos 1 was Mexico's first communications satellite, launched on June 17, 1985. It was designed to provide telecommunications services across Mexico and was part of the Morelos Satellite System.

### Q: Who manufactured Morelos 1?
A: Morelos 1 was manufactured by Hughes Aircraft Company using the Boeing 376 spacecraft bus. The satellite had a launch mass of 1140 kg and dimensions of 6.62 meters in height and 2.16 meters in diameter.

### Q: How was Morelos 1 launched?
A: Morelos 1 was launched on June 17, 1985 at 11:33:00 from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A. It was deployed using NASA's Space Shuttle Discovery as part of mission STS-51-G.

### Q: What happened to Morelos 1 after its launch?
A: After its successful launch, Morelos 1 entered service as part of Mexico's telecommunications infrastructure. It was later followed by Morelos 2 as part of the expansion of Mexico's satellite communications capabilities.

## Why It Matters
Morelos 1 represented a significant milestone for Mexico's space program and telecommunications infrastructure. As the country's first domestically operated communications satellite, it revolutionized telecommunications services across Mexico, providing television broadcasting, telephone, and data services to remote and underserved areas. The satellite was crucial for connecting Mexico's diverse geography and supporting educational, governmental, and commercial communications needs. Morelos 1 demonstrated Mexico's capability to participate in the space sector and established the foundation for the Morelos Satellite System, which continued with subsequent satellites. Its successful operation also highlighted the growing importance of space-based telecommunications in national development and positioned Mexico within the global community of space-faring nations.

## Notable For
- First communications satellite operated by Mexico, establishing the country's presence in space telecommunications
- Part of the inaugural Morelos Satellite System, which began Mexico's domestic satellite communications program in 1985
- Deployed via Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-51-G, representing international cooperation in space technology
- Utilized the Boeing 376 spacecraft bus, a platform that became widely used for communications satellites
- Had multiple aliases including Morelos I, Morelos A, and Illhuica 1, reflecting its significance in Mexican culture and space history

## Body
### Overview
Morelos 1 was Mexico's first communications satellite, launched on June 17, 1985. It was part of the Morelos Satellite System, which began in 1985 to provide telecommunications services across Mexico. The satellite was designed to provide television broadcasting, telephone, and data services to remote and underserved areas of the country.

### Technical Specifications
- Manufacturer: Hughes Aircraft Company
- Spacecraft Bus: Boeing 376
- Launch Mass: 1140 kg
- Service Entry Mass: 646.5 kg
- Height: 6.62 meters
- Diameter: 2.16 meters
- Power Source: Spacecraft solar arrays
- Space Tug: PAM-D

### Mission Details
- Launch Date: June 17, 1985 at 11:33:00
- Launch Vehicle: Space Shuttle (Discovery)
- Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A
- Mission: STS-51-G
- COSPAR ID: 1985-048B
- NSSDCA ID: 1985-048B

### System Integration
Morelos 1 was part of the Morelos Satellite System, Mexico's first domestic satellite communications program. The system was designed to provide telecommunications services across Mexico, particularly in remote areas where traditional infrastructure was insufficient. The satellite was followed by Morelos 2, which continued and expanded the capabilities of the system.

### Cultural Significance
The satellite held cultural significance in Mexico, evidenced by its multiple aliases including Morelos I, Morelos A, and Illhuica 1. These names reflected the satellite's importance to Mexican national identity and its role in connecting the country's diverse regions through telecommunications technology.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
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  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Morelos 1",
  "description": "Mexico's first communications satellite, launched on June 17, 1985, as part of the Morelos Satellite System to provide telecommunications services across Mexico.",
  "url": "https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/morelos-1.htm",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q15824"
  ],
  "additionalType": "communications satellite",
  "identifier": "1985-048B",
  "manufacturer": "Hughes Aircraft Company",
  "weight": {
    "@type": "QuantitativeValue",
    "value": "1140",
    "unitCode": "KGM"
  },
  "height": {
    "@type": "QuantitativeValue",
    "value": "6.62",
    "unitCode": "MTR"
  },
  "width": {
    "@type": "QuantitativeValue",
    "value": "2.16",
    "unitCode": "MTR"
  },
  "dateCreated": "1985-06-17",
  "countryOfOrigin": "Mexico",
  "isPartOf": "Morelos Satellite System"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/morelos-1.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](http://boeing.com/defense-space/space/bss/factsheets/376/morelos/morelos.html)