# SAC-A

> former Argentine experimental satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q6116054](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6116054)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sac-a

## Summary
SAC-A was a former Argentine experimental satellite operated by the Comisión Nacional de Actividades Espaciales. It functioned as a technology demonstration spacecraft, launched aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour in December 1998 to test experimental technologies before decaying from orbit in October 1999.

## Key Facts
*   **Classification:** Technology demonstration spacecraft.
*   **Operator:** Comisión Nacional de Actividades Espaciales (Argentina).
*   **Launch Date:** December 4, 1998, at 08:35:34 UTC.
*   **Launch Vehicle:** Space Shuttle Endeavour (STS-88 mission).
*   **Launch Site:** Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A.
*   **Decay Date:** October 25, 1999 (atmospheric entry).
*   **COSPAR ID:** 1998-069B.
*   **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 25550.
*   **Country of Origin:** Argentina.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the primary purpose of the SAC-A satellite?
A: SAC-A was a technology demonstration spacecraft designed to test and demonstrate experimental technologies in space.

### Q: How was SAC-A launched into space?
A: The satellite was launched as part of the STS-88 mission aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour from the Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A on December 4, 1998.

### Q: How long did SAC-A remain in orbit?
A: SAC-A remained in orbit for less than a year, launching on December 4, 1998, and re-entering Earth's atmosphere on October 25, 1999.

## Why It Matters
SAC-A represents an early milestone in Argentina's space capabilities as a technology demonstration spacecraft operated by the Comisión Nacional de Actividades Espaciales. Its deployment via the Space Shuttle Endeavour during the STS-88 mission highlights international cooperation and the utilization of heavy-lift delivery systems for experimental payloads. The mission provided critical data regarding the performance of Argentine space technologies in orbit. Although the satellite had a relatively short operational lifespan, ending in atmospheric entry on October 25, 1999, its identification as a "former entity" and experimental satellite underscores its role as a precursor or testbed for future space initiatives. The mission is documented in major space catalogs (COSPAR, NSSDCA) and serves as a historical data point for non-recoverable LEO (Low Earth Orbit) experiments.

## Notable For
*   **Argentine Space Program:** Being an experimental satellite specifically identified with Argentina as its country of origin.
*   **Shuttle Deployment:** Being deployed from the Space Shuttle Endeavour rather than a conventional expendable launch vehicle.
*   **Technology Demonstration:** Serving specifically to demonstrate experimental technologies rather than operational communications or observation services.
*   **Short Lifespan:** Completing its orbital phase in under a year before natural orbital decay.

## Body
### Mission Overview
SAC-A was an uncrewed spacecraft classified as a technology demonstration vehicle. Its primary function was to validate experimental technologies in the space environment. The spacecraft is officially listed as a "former entity," indicating it is no longer operational or in orbit.

### Launch and Deployment
The spacecraft was launched on **December 4, 1998**, at precisely **08:35:34** UTC. It was delivered to space as part of the **STS-88** mission aboard the **Space Shuttle Endeavour**. The launch originated from **Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A**.

### Orbital Life and Decay
Following its deployment, SAC-A remained in orbit for nearly 11 months. The mission concluded when the satellite underwent uncontrolled atmospheric entry (decay) on **October 25, 1999**. This event was tracked and confirmed by Space-Track.

### Identifiers and Records
The satellite is cataloged in international and national databases under the following identifiers:
*   **COSPAR ID:** 1998-069B
*   **NSSDCA ID:** 1998-069B
*   **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 25550
*   **Wolfram Language Entity Code:** Entity["Satellite", "25550"]
*   **Google Knowledge Graph ID:** /g/120l2rq5

### Media Resources
Visual records of the mission exist in public archives, including a mission patch, a main photograph, and an animation file titled "SAC-A_Animación_2.webm". These are hosted on Wikimedia Commons under the category "SAC-A".

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. [Source](https://www.space-track.org/#decay)