# OSCAR

> designation of amateur radio satellites

**Wikidata**: [Q137701228](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q137701228)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OSCAR_(satellite))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/oscar-q137701228

## Summary
OSCAR is a designation system for amateur radio satellites, managed by AMSAT. It provides standardized naming for satellites built and operated by amateur radio organizations worldwide.

## Key Facts
- OSCAR is a designation specifically for amateur radio satellites.
- The operator of OSCAR satellites is AMSAT.
- OSCAR is a subclass of the broader class "amateur radio satellite".
- OSCAR has 1 sitelink.
- The Wikipedia page title for OSCAR is "OSCAR (satellite)".
- OSCAR is described as "designation of amateur radio satellites" in Wikidata.
- The Wikipedia page for OSCAR is available in the English language.

## FAQs
### Q: What does OSCAR stand for?
A: OSCAR stands for Orbiting Satellite Carrying Amateur Radio. It is the official designation system for amateur radio satellites.

### Q: Who operates OSCAR satellites?
A: OSCAR satellites are operated by AMSAT, a worldwide organization of amateur radio operators dedicated to building and operating amateur radio satellites.

### Q: What is the purpose of the OSCAR designation?
A: The OSCAR designation provides a standardized naming convention for amateur radio satellites, allowing them to be easily identified and tracked by the global amateur radio community.

### Q: How many OSCAR satellites are there?
A: The provided source material does not specify the total number of OSCAR satellites; it only defines OSCAR as the designation system itself.

## Why It Matters
OSCAR is fundamentally important to the amateur radio community as it provides the framework for satellites built and operated by radio amateurs. This designation system enables global communication between amateur radio operators via space, fostering experimentation, technical skill development, and international collaboration. It democratizes access to space for non-professional operators, promoting education and innovation in satellite technology and radio propagation. The OSCAR system underpins a unique segment of amateur radio that pushes the boundaries of personal space exploration and communication.

## Notable For
- Being the oldest and most widely recognized designation system specifically for amateur radio satellites.
- Providing a standardized naming convention (e.g., OSCAR 1, OSCAR 10) used globally by the amateur radio community.
- Being exclusively managed by AMSAT, the primary amateur radio satellite organization.
- Representing the collective effort of volunteer amateur radio operators in building and operating satellites.

## Body
### Designation System
OSCAR is the official designation system for amateur radio satellites. It is not a specific satellite itself, but a naming convention applied to satellites built and operated by amateur radio organizations.

### Operator
The entity designated by OSCAR is operated by AMSAT. AMSAT is the international organization responsible for the development, launch, and operation of these amateur radio satellites.

### Classification
OSCAR is explicitly classified as a subclass of the broader class "amateur radio satellite". This confirms its role within the category of satellites that transmit amateur radio signals.