# P78-1

> artificial satellite, us department of Defense

**Wikidata**: [Q54370](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q54370)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solwind)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/p78-1

## Summary
P78-1, also known as Solwind, was an artificial satellite operated by the US Department of Defense. Launched on February 24, 1979, its primary mission was solar observation. The satellite was later destroyed on September 13, 1985, by an ASM-135 ASAT missile.

## Key Facts
*   P78-1 was launched on February 24, 1979, from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 3.
*   Its primary use was solar observation.
*   The satellite was an artificial satellite, operated by the US Department of Defense.
*   P78-1 was launched using an Atlas E/F expendable launch vehicle.
*   It was destroyed on September 13, 1985, by an ASM-135 ASAT missile.
*   P78-1 is also known by the aliases Solwind and P78-1人造衛星.
*   Its COSPAR ID and NSSDCA ID are both 1979-017A.
*   The satellite's SCN (Space Catalog Number) is 11278.

## FAQs
### Q: What was P78-1?
A: P78-1 was an artificial satellite, also known as Solwind, operated by the US Department of Defense. It was primarily used for solar observation after its launch in 1979.

### Q: When was P78-1 launched?
A: P78-1 was launched on February 24, 1979. The launch took place from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 3.

### Q: What was the purpose of P78-1?
A: The primary purpose of P78-1 was solar observation. It was designed to collect data related to the sun.

### Q: How was P78-1 destroyed?
A: P78-1 was destroyed on September 13, 1985, by an ASM-135 ASAT missile. This event was a significant test of anti-satellite weapon technology.

### Q: What launch vehicle was used for P78-1?
A: P78-1 was launched into orbit using an Atlas E/F expendable launch vehicle.

## Why It Matters
P78-1 holds significance for its role in solar observation and its eventual destruction as part of a military test. As an artificial satellite dedicated to studying the sun, it contributed to scientific understanding of solar phenomena. However, its most notable impact stems from its destruction on September 13, 1985. This event marked a critical moment in the history of space warfare, as P78-1 was intentionally targeted and destroyed by an ASM-135 ASAT (Anti-Satellite) missile. This test demonstrated the capability of the United States to neutralize orbiting satellites, raising concerns about the militarization of space and the potential for conflict in orbit. The incident underscored the vulnerability of space assets and influenced international discussions on space security and arms control.

## Notable For
*   Its primary mission of solar observation.
*   Being an artificial satellite operated by the US Department of Defense.
*   Its destruction by an ASM-135 ASAT missile on September 13, 1985.
*   Being launched from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 3 using an Atlas E/F vehicle.

## Body

### Overview
P78-1, also known by its alias Solwind, was an artificial satellite. It was operated by the US Department of Defense. The satellite's primary mission was solar observation. Its Space Catalog Number (SCN) is 11278.

### Launch
P78-1 was launched on February 24, 1979. The launch site was Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 3. The satellite was carried into orbit by an Atlas E/F launch vehicle, which is a type of American expendable launch vehicle.

### Purpose
The designated use for P78-1 was solar observation. This involved collecting data and monitoring solar activity.

### Destruction
A significant event in the history of P78-1 was its destruction on September 13, 1985. The satellite was intentionally destroyed by an ASM-135 ASAT missile.

### Identifiers and Aliases
*   **Aliases**: Solwind, P78-1, P78-1人造衛星
*   **COSPAR ID**: 1979-017A
*   **NSSDCA ID**: 1979-017A
*   **Freebase ID**: /m/03nsm_8
*   **Wikipedia Title**: Solwind
*   **Commons Category**: Solwind

### Classification
P78-1 is classified as an artificial satellite. The Atlas E/F, which launched P78-1, is classified as a type of American expendable launch vehicle.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report