# PAS 1

> communications satellite owned by PanAmSat

**Wikidata**: [Q7118264](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7118264)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PAS-1)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/pas-1

## Summary
PAS 1 is a communications satellite owned by PanAmSat, launched in 1988. It is a geostationary satellite designed for telecommunications, weighing 1,220 kilograms at launch. The satellite was manufactured by RCA Corporation and launched using an Ariane 44LP rocket.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Communications satellite and geostationary satellite
- **Launch date**: June 15, 1988, at 11:19:01 UTC
- **Launch vehicle**: Ariane 44LP (V-22 / L401)
- **Launch site**: ELA-2 (European Spaceport, Kourou)
- **Mass**: 1,220 kilograms (launch weight)
- **Operator**: PanAmSat
- **Manufacturer**: RCA Corporation
- **Power source**: Spacecraft solar array (2 units)
- **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit
- **Aliases**: ASC 3, PanAmSat 1
- **Country of origin**: United States

## FAQs
### Q: What type of satellite is PAS 1?
A: PAS 1 is a communications satellite in geostationary orbit, designed for telecommunications.

### Q: Who launched PAS 1 and when?
A: PAS 1 was launched on June 15, 1988, using an Ariane 44LP rocket from ELA-2 in Kourou, French Guiana.

### Q: What was the mass of PAS 1 at launch?
A: PAS 1 had a launch mass of 1,220 kilograms.

### Q: Which company operated PAS 1?
A: PAS 1 was operated by PanAmSat.

### Q: What was the primary purpose of PAS 1?
A: PAS 1 was designed for telecommunications, providing communication services from geostationary orbit.

## Why It Matters
PAS 1 played a crucial role in the early development of satellite communications, offering services to PanAmSat's customers. As a geostationary satellite, it provided continuous coverage over a specific region, supporting various communication needs. Its successful deployment demonstrated the reliability of the Ariane 44LP launch vehicle and the capabilities of RCA Corporation in satellite manufacturing. PAS 1 contributed to the expansion of global communication infrastructure, enabling businesses and individuals to rely on satellite-based services for connectivity.

## Notable For
- **First operational satellite for PanAmSat**: PAS 1 was the first communications satellite operated by PanAmSat, marking a significant milestone in the company's history.
- **Geostationary orbit**: PAS 1 maintained a geostationary orbit, ensuring stable and continuous communication services.
- **Ariane 44LP launch**: The successful deployment of PAS 1 on an Ariane 44LP rocket highlighted the reliability of this launch vehicle.
- **RCA Corporation manufacturing**: PAS 1 was built by RCA Corporation, showcasing the company's expertise in satellite construction.
- **Solar array power**: PAS 1 was equipped with two spacecraft solar arrays, providing the necessary power for its operations.

## Body
### Overview
PAS 1 is a communications satellite owned by PanAmSat, launched in 1988. It is classified as both a communications satellite and a geostationary satellite, designed to provide telecommunications services from space.

### Launch Details
- **Launch date**: June 15, 1988, at 11:19:01 UTC
- **Launch vehicle**: Ariane 44LP (V-22 / L401)
- **Launch site**: ELA-2, European Spaceport, Kourou, French Guiana

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 1,220 kilograms (launch weight)
- **Power source**: Spacecraft solar array (2 units)
- **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit

### Operator and Manufacturer
- **Operator**: PanAmSat
- **Manufacturer**: RCA Corporation

### Identification
- **Aliases**: ASC 3, PanAmSat 1
- **Country of origin**: United States

### Notable Achievements
- PAS 1 was the first operational satellite for PanAmSat, marking a significant step in the company's satellite communications program.
- The satellite's successful deployment on an Ariane 44LP rocket demonstrated the reliability of this launch vehicle.
- PAS 1's geostationary orbit provided continuous coverage, supporting various communication needs.

### Historical Context
- PAS 1 was part of the early efforts to expand satellite-based communication services.
- The satellite contributed to the development of global communication infrastructure, enabling businesses and individuals to rely on satellite services.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/pas-1.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report