# Paksat-1

> Pakistani (originally Indonesian) communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q7126055](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7126055)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paksat-1)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/paksat-1

## Summary
Paksat-1 was a geostationary communications satellite operated by Pakistan's Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) from 2002 until its retirement in 2011. Originally manufactured by Hughes Aircraft Company and launched as the Indonesian satellite "Palapa C1" in 1996, it was acquired by Pakistan to establish the country's first orbital slot presence. The satellite was based on the Boeing 601 spacecraft bus.

## Key Facts
- **Original Name:** Palapa C1 (also known as HGS-3 and Anatolia-1).
- **Launch Date:** 1 February 1996 (launched as Palapa C1).
- **Launch Vehicle:** Atlas IIAS (launched from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 36).
- **Service Entry (Pakistan):** 20 December 2002.
- **Service Retirement:** 2011.
- **Manufacturer:** Hughes Aircraft Company.
- **Spacecraft Bus:** Boeing 601.
- **Orbit Type:** Geostationary orbit.
- **Launch Mass:** 3,000 kg; Service Entry Mass: 1,775 kg.
- **Dimensions:** 4.7 metres in height; 3.6 metres in width (spacecraft bus); 21 metres solar array span; 7.5 metres antenna length.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the original purpose of Paksat-1?
A: Originally launched as Palapa C1, it was designed as an Indonesian communications satellite to serve the telecommunications needs of Indonesia and the surrounding region.

### Q: How did Pakistan acquire this satellite?
A: After the satellite was placed in a "graveyard orbit" following issues, it was acquired by Hughes (who had bought it back from Indonesia) and leased/sold to Pakistan's SUPARCO to secure an orbital slot, entering service for Pakistan in December 2002.

### Q: When was Paksat-1 retired?
A: The satellite was retired from service in 2011 after nearly a decade of operation under the Pakistani designation.

## Why It Matters
Paksat-1 holds significant historical importance in the context of Pakistan's space program. Before its acquisition, Pakistan faced the risk of losing its allocated orbital slot (38 degrees East) due to a lack of an operational satellite. By acquiring an already-built and flight-proven satellite—originally intended for Indonesia—Pakistan was able to expedite its entry into the exclusive club of space-faring nations with operational geostationary satellites.

This strategic move allowed the country to secure its orbital rights and establish a foothold in space-based telecommunications without the decade-long timeline required to design and build a new satellite from scratch. The satellite bridged the gap between Pakistan's earlier experimental efforts and the later development of dedicated indigenous satellites like Paksat-1R. It provided critical experience in ground station operations and satellite management to the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO). Furthermore, the satellite's lifecycle is a notable case study in the global space industry regarding the repurposing and asset transfer of orbital hardware between nations and commercial entities.

## Notable For
- **Dual-Nationality Operation:** Being one of the few satellites to serve as a primary telecommunications asset for two different nations (Indonesia and Pakistan) under different names.
- **Orbital Slot Security:** Enabling Pakistan to secure and hold the 38° East geostationary orbital slot, which was critical for the nation's communication infrastructure.
- **Repurposed Asset:** Successfully transitioning from a defunct state (after its initial Indonesian mission) to an operational asset for a new operator (SUPARCO).
- **Boeing 601 Platform:** Being a prominent example of the highly successful Boeing 601 satellite bus, manufactured by Hughes Aircraft Company.

## Body

### Origins and Launch
Paksat-1 began its life as **Palapa C1**, an Indonesian communications satellite manufactured by **Hughes Aircraft Company**. It was part of the *Palapa* series of geostationary communication satellites. The satellite was launched on **1 February 1996** at 01:15:01 UTC using an **Atlas IIAS** launch vehicle (designation AC-126) from **Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 36**. At launch, it had a mass of 3,000 kg.

### Design and Specifications
The satellite utilized the **Boeing 601** spacecraft bus. It was designed for a long service life in geostationary orbit with specific dimensions optimized for launch and deployment:
- **Height:** 4.7 metres
- **Width (Bus):** 3.6 metres
- **Width (Solar Arrays):** 21 metres
- **Length (Antenna):** 7.5 metres
- **Power:** Powered by two spacecraft solar arrays and utilized R-4D thrusters.

The satellite carried the COSPAR ID **1996-006A** and NORAD SCN **23779**.

### Transition to Paksat-1
Initially operated by **PT Satelit Palapa Indonesia** from 1996 to 1998, the satellite was later acquired by **Hughes Aircraft Company** (operating as HGS) around 1999. It was temporarily designated **HGS-3** and was also referred to as **Anatolia-1** at one point.

In **2002**, the satellite was leased/activated by the **Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO)** of Pakistan. It officially entered service as **Paksat-1** on **20 December 2002**. Under Pakistani operation, the satellite had a dry mass of 1,775 kg. It remained operational until its **service retirement in 2011**.

## Schema Markup
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  "name": "Paksat-1",
  "description": "A geostationary communications satellite operated by Pakistan, originally launched as the Indonesian satellite Palapa C1.",
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## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/palapa-c.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://suparco.gov.pk/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/02-PAKSAT-1R.pdf)
4. [Source](https://www.brecorder.com/news/3414028)
5. [Source](https://sky-brokers.com/supplier/indosat-ooredoo/)
6. [Source](http://boeing.com/defense-space/space/bss/factsheets/601/palapa_c/palapa_c.html)