# PANSat

> former American amateur radio satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q17126829](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q17126829)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PANSAT)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/pansat

## Summary
PANSat was a former American amateur radio satellite developed by the Naval Postgraduate School and launched in 1998 aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery. It was designed to support amateur radio communications and was part of the OSCAR satellite program.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Amateur radio satellite
- **Launch Date**: October 29, 1998, at 19:19:34 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: Space Shuttle Discovery (STS-95 mission)
- **Launch Site**: Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39B
- **Manufacturer**: Naval Postgraduate School
- **Operators**: Naval Postgraduate School and Space Test Program
- **Mass**: 57 kg (launch weight)
- **Diameter**: 50 cm
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array with 17 watts of power
- **Official Name**: Petite Amateur Navy Satellite (PANSat)
- **Aliases**: PAN Sat, PO-34, S94-D, PANSat-OSCAR 34, OSCAR 34
- **COSPAR ID**: 1998-064B
- **NSSDCA ID**: 1998-064B
- **Significant Event**: Loss of signal in 2003

## FAQs
### Q: What was PANSat used for?
A: PANSat was an amateur radio satellite designed to support amateur radio communications, particularly for the Navy and other amateur radio operators.

### Q: Who built PANSat?
A: PANSat was built by the Naval Postgraduate School in collaboration with the Space Test Program.

### Q: When was PANSat launched?
A: PANSat was launched on October 29, 1998, aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery during the STS-95 mission.

### Q: What was the purpose of PANSat?
A: The primary purpose of PANSat was to provide a platform for amateur radio experiments and communications, enhancing connectivity for radio enthusiasts.

### Q: What happened to PANSat?
A: PANSat experienced a loss of signal in 2003, marking the end of its operational life.

## Why It Matters
PANSat played a significant role in the amateur radio satellite community, providing a platform for experimental communications and educational purposes. Developed by the Naval Postgraduate School, it was one of several OSCAR satellites designed to support amateur radio operations. The satellite's launch and subsequent operations contributed to the advancement of satellite-based amateur radio technology. Despite its relatively short operational lifespan, PANSat remains a notable example of collaborative efforts between educational institutions and space agencies to support amateur radio communications. Its legacy continues to influence the development of future amateur radio satellites and space-based communication systems.

## Notable For
- **First of its kind**: One of the first amateur radio satellites developed by the Naval Postgraduate School.
- **OSCAR program**: Part of the OSCAR satellite program, which aimed to support amateur radio communications.
- **Educational mission**: Designed to provide hands-on experience in satellite development and operations.
- **Collaborative effort**: Built in partnership with the Space Test Program, demonstrating interagency cooperation.
- **Amateur radio support**: Enhanced connectivity for amateur radio operators through satellite-based communications.

## Body
### Overview
PANSat, officially known as the Petite Amateur Navy Satellite, was an American amateur radio satellite developed by the Naval Postgraduate School. It was launched on October 29, 1998, aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery during the STS-95 mission. The satellite was part of the OSCAR program, which aimed to support amateur radio communications through satellite technology.

### Design and Specifications
PANSat had a launch mass of 57 kg and a diameter of 50 cm. It was powered by a spacecraft solar array, providing 17 watts of power. The satellite was designed to support amateur radio experiments and communications, making it accessible to radio enthusiasts and educational institutions.

### Launch and Operations
The satellite was launched from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39B. It was operated by both the Naval Postgraduate School and the Space Test Program. PANSat was part of the OSCAR series, which included other amateur radio satellites designed to support radio communications and educational purposes.

### Legacy and Significance
PANSat contributed to the advancement of amateur radio satellite technology and provided a platform for experimental communications. Despite its relatively short operational lifespan, it remains a notable example of collaborative efforts between educational institutions and space agencies. The satellite's legacy continues to influence the development of future amateur radio satellites and space-based communication systems.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/pansat.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/pansat)
4. [Source](https://books.google.com/books?id=_azf94TByF8C&pg=PA478)