# RASCOM-QAF 1

> defunct geostationary communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q14294239](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q14294239)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/rascom-qaf-1

## Summary
RASCOM-QAF 1 was a defunct geostationary communications satellite launched in 2007 to provide telecommunications services. It was decommissioned in 2010 after a short operational life of about 2.8 years, far below its 15-year design lifespan.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: December 21, 2007, at 21:41:55 UTC.
- **Operator**: RascomStar, a telecommunications company.
- **Mass**: 3,160 kg at launch; 1,395 kg dry weight.
- **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit, later moved to a graveyard orbit upon decommissioning.
- **Manufacturer**: Alcatel Space (now Thales Alenia Space).
- **Launch Vehicle**: Ariane 5GS (flight V180).
- **Service Life**: Designed for 15 years but operated for only 2.8 years.
- **Replacement**: Succeeded by RASCOM-QAF 1R.
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array (2 units) and S400 battery (1 unit).

## FAQs
### Q: What was RASCOM-QAF 1 used for?
A: RASCOM-QAF 1 was a communications satellite designed to provide telecommunications services, including broadband and broadcasting, over Africa.

### Q: Why was RASCOM-QAF 1 decommissioned early?
A: The satellite was decommissioned in October 2010 after only 2.8 years of service, likely due to technical failures or operational issues, though specific reasons are not detailed in the source material.

### Q: Who operated RASCOM-QAF 1?
A: The satellite was operated by RascomStar, a company focused on satellite communications for Africa.

### Q: What replaced RASCOM-QAF 1?
A: RASCOM-QAF 1 was succeeded by RASCOM-QAF 1R, another geostationary communications satellite.

### Q: How was RASCOM-QAF 1 powered?
A: It was powered by two spacecraft solar arrays and one S400 battery.

## Why It Matters
RASCOM-QAF 1 was part of an effort to expand telecommunications infrastructure in Africa, addressing gaps in connectivity and broadcasting capabilities. Although its operational life was cut short, it represented a significant investment in satellite technology for the region. The early decommissioning highlights the challenges of maintaining satellite operations, including technical failures and the high costs of space-based infrastructure. Its replacement, RASCOM-QAF 1R, continued the mission of improving communications across the continent, underscoring the importance of reliable satellite systems in underserved areas.

## Notable For
- **Short Operational Life**: Operated for only 2.8 years, significantly less than its 15-year design life.
- **Geostationary Orbit**: Positioned in a geostationary orbit to provide consistent coverage over Africa.
- **High Launch Mass**: Weighed 3,160 kg at launch, reflecting its robust design.
- **Early Decommissioning**: One of the few satellites moved to a graveyard orbit shortly after its operational period.
- **Part of a Larger Mission**: Preceded and succeeded by RASCOM-QAF 1R, indicating a continued commitment to African telecommunications.

## Body
### Overview
RASCOM-QAF 1 was a geostationary communications satellite launched on December 21, 2007, aboard an Ariane 5GS rocket from the ELA-3 launch site. It was designed to provide telecommunications services, including broadband and broadcasting, primarily over Africa.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: The satellite had a launch mass of 3,160 kg and a dry mass of 1,395 kg.
- **Power System**: It was equipped with two spacecraft solar arrays and one S400 battery for power.
- **Spacecraft Bus**: Built on the Spacebus-4000B3 platform by Alcatel Space.
- **Orbit**: Initially placed in a geostationary orbit, it was later moved to a graveyard orbit upon decommissioning in October 2010.

### Operational History
- **Launch**: The satellite was launched alongside Horizons-2, another communications satellite.
- **Service Entry**: It became operational in 2008.
- **Decommissioning**: Due to unspecified issues, the satellite was decommissioned in October 2010, after only 2.8 years of service, far short of its 15-year design life.

### Replacement
RASCOM-QAF 1 was succeeded by RASCOM-QAF 1R, which continued the mission of providing telecommunications services over Africa.

### Significance
Despite its short operational life, RASCOM-QAF 1 was part of a broader effort to improve connectivity in Africa. Its early decommissioning underscores the challenges and risks associated with satellite operations, including technical failures and the need for robust backup systems.

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  "name": "RASCOM-QAF 1",
  "description": "A defunct geostationary communications satellite launched in 2007 and decommissioned in 2010.",
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## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/rascom-1.htm)
2. [Source](http://www.tbs-satellite.com/tse/online/sat_rascom_qaf1.html)
3. Jonathan's Space Report
4. [Source](https://www.satbeams.com/satellites?norad=32387)