# Nahuel 1A

> decommissioned Argentine communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q6959415](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6959415)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nahuel_1A)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/nahuel-1a

## Summary
Nahuel 1A is a decommissioned Argentine communications satellite launched in 1997 to provide telecommunications services, including television, telephony, and internet connectivity. Operated initially by Nahuelsat and later by ARSAT, it was moved to a graveyard orbit in 2010 after exceeding its designed 12.33-year lifespan. It remains in space as a derelict satellite.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: January 30, 1997, at 22:04:00 UTC aboard an Ariane 44L rocket (flight V93) from ELA-2, Guiana Space Centre.
- **Operators**: Nahuelsat (1997–2006) and ARSAT (2006–2010).
- **Service Life**: Designed for 12.33 years; operated for 13.4 years.
- **Mass**: 1,780 kg at launch (dry mass: 828 kg).
- **Spacecraft Bus**: Spacebus-2000, manufactured by Airbus DS Geo GmbH (general contractor) and Aérospatiale (subcontractor for the bus).
- **Orbit**: Geostationary; moved to a graveyard orbit in June 2010.
- **Propulsion**: S400 main engine and H10-3 apogee motor.
- **Power**: 2 solar arrays generating 2.7 kW (end-of-life).

## FAQs
### Q: What was the primary purpose of Nahuel 1A?
A: Nahuel 1A was Argentina’s first dedicated communications satellite, providing television broadcasting, telephony, and internet services across the country and neighboring regions.

### Q: Why was Nahuel 1A decommissioned?
A: The satellite was decommissioned in June 2010 after operating beyond its design lifespan. It was relocated to a graveyard orbit to comply with space debris mitigation guidelines.

### Q: Who manufactured Nahuel 1A?
A: The satellite was built by Airbus DS Geo GmbH (as prime contractor) and Aérospatiale (for the Spacebus-2000 platform), with international collaboration between Germany and France.

## Why It Matters
Nahuel 1A marked a significant milestone as Argentina’s first dedicated communications satellite, enhancing the nation’s telecommunications infrastructure during the 1990s and 2000s. Its successful operation beyond its 12.33-year design life demonstrated robust engineering, and its transition between operators (Nahuelsat to ARSAT) reflected evolving national priorities in space-based services. The satellite’s compliance with end-of-life protocols—relocation to a graveyard orbit—highlighted responsible space stewardship. Nahuel 1A played a critical role in bridging communication gaps in South America, supporting economic and social development through accessible broadcasting and connectivity.

## Notable For
- **Argentina’s First Communications Satellite**: Pioneered national telecommunications independence.
- **Extended Service Life**: Operated for 13.4 years, surpassing its 12.33-year design lifespan.
- **Dual Operators**: Transitioned from private (Nahuelsat) to state-run (ARSAT) management in 2006.
- **Graveyard Orbit Compliance**: Proactively relocated in 2010 to mitigate orbital debris risks.
- **International Collaboration**: Built through Franco-German cooperation (Airbus DS Geo GmbH and Aérospatiale).

## Body

### Launch and Deployment
Nahuel 1A launched on January 30, 1997, at 22:04:00 UTC aboard an Ariane 44L rocket (flight V93) from the ELA-2 launch pad at the Guiana Space Centre. It shared the launch with the AMC-2 satellite. The satellite was positioned in geostationary orbit at 85° West longitude.

### Design and Specifications
- **Spacecraft Bus**: Spacebus-2000 platform, designed for modularity and redundancy.
- **Mass**: 1,780 kg at launch (828 kg dry mass).
- **Power**: Equipped with two solar arrays generating 2.7 kW at end-of-life, supplemented by batteries.
- **Propulsion**: S400 bipropellant main engine for station-keeping and H10-3 apogee motor for orbital insertion.
- **Manufacturer**: Airbus DS Geo GmbH (prime contractor) and Aérospatiale (subcontractor for the bus).

### Operational History
- **1997–2006**: Operated by Nahuelsat, a consortium led by Argentina’s INVAP and international partners.
- **2006–2010**: Transferred to state-owned ARSAT, which managed the satellite until decommissioning.
- **Service**: Provided 32 transponders (24 C-band, 8 Ku-band) for broadcasting, telephony, and data services.

### Decommissioning
In June 2010, Nahuel 1A was moved to a graveyard orbit approximately 350 km above geostationary orbit to prevent interference with operational satellites. This maneuver ensured compliance with international space debris mitigation standards.

### Legacy and Significance
Nahuel 1A laid the groundwork for Argentina’s subsequent communications satellites, including the ARSAT series. Its operational longevity and successful end-of-life disposal underscored its role as a model for sustainable space operations in Latin America. The satellite’s deployment also highlighted the strategic importance of space-based infrastructure for national development, influencing regional investment in satellite technology.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/nahuel-1.htm)
2. [Source](http://www.cienciayenergia.com/Contenido/pdf/090301_rad_ta.pdf)
3. Jonathan's Space Report
4. [Source](http://www.tbs-satellite.com/tse/online/sat_nahuel_1a.html)