# OSCAR 3

> Amateur radio satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q2790526](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2790526)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OSCAR_3)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/oscar-3

## Summary
OSCAR 3 (also known as OSCAR III) is an amateur radio satellite launched on March 9, 1965, from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2. It was designed to transmit amateur radio signals and was carried into orbit by the Thor-Agena D launch vehicle.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Amateur radio satellite
- **Launch Date:** March 9, 1965
- **Launch Vehicle:** Thor-Agena D (American orbital launch vehicle)
- **Launch Site:** Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 01293
- **COSPAR ID:** 1965-016F
- **Alternative Name:** OSCAR III
- **Wolfram Language Entity Code:** Entity["Satellite", "01293"]
- **Wikipedia Presence:** Available in English, German, and Polish languages

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary purpose of OSCAR 3?
A: OSCAR 3 is an amateur radio satellite designed to transmit amateur radio signals. It belongs to a specific class of satellites built to facilitate non-commercial radio communication and technical experimentation.

### Q: When and where was OSCAR 3 launched?
A: The satellite was launched on March 9, 1965. The launch took place at the Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2, a significant American rocket launch site.

### Q: What rocket was used to deploy OSCAR 3?
A: OSCAR 3 was carried into orbit by the Thor-Agena D. This was an American orbital launch vehicle used for various satellite missions during the 1960s.

## Why It Matters
OSCAR 3, also known as OSCAR III, is a significant entity within the field of amateur radio satellites. Launched on March 9, 1965, it represents an early era of space exploration where amateur radio operators began utilizing orbital technology for communication. The satellite's launch from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2 using a Thor-Agena D launch vehicle underscores its place in American aerospace history. As an amateur radio satellite, it belongs to a specific class of spacecraft designed to transmit amateur radio signals, facilitating non-commercial communication and technical experimentation. 

Its inclusion in international databases and Wikipedia entries in English, German, and Polish demonstrates its global recognition within the scientific and radio communities. By serving as a functional amateur radio platform in orbit, OSCAR 3 contributed to the technical lineage of the OSCAR program. It is cataloged under SCN 01293 and COSPAR ID 1965-016F, providing a verifiable record for researchers and historians interested in the development of satellite communications. The satellite's mission highlights the intersection of amateur hobbyist interests and professional orbital launch capabilities during the mid-1960s.

## Notable For
- **Launch Vehicle:** Utilized the Thor-Agena D, a prominent American orbital launch vehicle.
- **Early Space History:** Launched in March 1965, making it an early example of amateur radio technology in orbit.
- **International Documentation:** Recognized across multiple languages, including English (en), German (de), and Polish (pl).
- **Standardized Identification:** Formally identified by Satellite Catalog Number 01293 and COSPAR ID 1965-016F.

## Body

### Technical Identification
OSCAR 3 is documented in several major astronomical and aerospace databases. It is identified in the Satellite Catalog as 01293 and carries the COSPAR ID 1965-016F. In computational environments, it is referenced by the Wolfram Language entity code Entity["Satellite", "01293"]. It is also known by the alternative name OSCAR III.

### Launch and Deployment
The satellite was successfully launched on March 9, 1965. The significant event of its rocket launch occurred at the Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2. The mission utilized the Thor-Agena D, which is classified as an American orbital launch vehicle.

### Classification and Function
As an amateur radio satellite, OSCAR 3 belongs to a specific class of satellites that transmit amateur radio. This classification distinguishes it from commercial or military communication satellites. Its primary function was to support the amateur radio community through space-based signal transmission. 

### Global Recognition
The satellite maintains a presence in international knowledge bases, with a sitelink count of 3 on Wikipedia. It is featured in the following language editions:
- English (en)
- German (de)
- Polish (pl)

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report