# SATCOM K1

> American communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q16061265](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16061265)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/satcom-k1

## Summary
SATCOM K1 is an American communications satellite launched on January 12, 1986, aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia. It was operated by RCA Corporation and operated in a geostationary orbit, providing telecommunications services. The satellite had a launch weight of 1,900 kilograms and a service entry weight of 1,021 kilograms.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: January 12, 1986, at 11:55:00 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: Space Shuttle Columbia (STS-61-C mission)
- **Launch Site**: Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A
- **Operator**: RCA Corporation
- **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit
- **Mass**: 1,900 kg (launch weight), 1,021 kg (service entry weight)
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array
- **Space Tug**: PAM-D2 (used for orbital maneuvers)
- **COSPAR ID**: 1986-003B
- **Aliases**: SATCOM K-1, SATCOM KU-1
- **Country of Origin**: United States

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of SATCOM K1?
A: SATCOM K1 was a communications satellite designed to provide telecommunications services in a geostationary orbit. It was operated by RCA Corporation and used for satellite-based communication.

### Q: How was SATCOM K1 launched?
A: SATCOM K1 was launched on January 12, 1986, aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia during the STS-61-C mission from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A.

### Q: What was the mass of SATCOM K1?
A: SATCOM K1 had a launch weight of 1,900 kilograms and a service entry weight of 1,021 kilograms.

### Q: What powered SATCOM K1?
A: SATCOM K1 was powered by a spacecraft solar array.

### Q: What was the significance of SATCOM K1?
A: SATCOM K1 was significant as it was one of the first communications satellites launched by the United States, contributing to the development of satellite-based telecommunications infrastructure.

## Why It Matters
SATCOM K1 played a crucial role in the early development of satellite communications in the United States. Launched in 1986, it was part of the RCA SATCOM series, which aimed to provide reliable telecommunications services. The satellite's successful deployment demonstrated the feasibility of using geostationary orbits for communication purposes. SATCOM K1's operation by RCA Corporation highlighted the growing importance of satellite technology in global communications. Its launch and operation contributed to the advancement of space-based telecommunications, paving the way for future satellite systems.

## Notable For
- **First RCA SATCOM Satellite**: SATCOM K1 was one of the first satellites in the RCA SATCOM series, marking a significant milestone in satellite communications.
- **Geostationary Orbit**: It operated in a geostationary orbit, providing continuous coverage over a specific area.
- **Space Shuttle Launch**: SATCOM K1 was launched aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia, showcasing the versatility of the shuttle for deploying satellites.
- **Solar Powered**: The satellite was powered by a spacecraft solar array, demonstrating the use of renewable energy in space.
- **PAM-D2 Space Tug**: The PAM-D2 space tug was used to maneuver SATCOM K1 into its operational orbit, highlighting the role of space tugs in satellite deployment.

## Body
### Overview
SATCOM K1 was an American communications satellite launched on January 12, 1986, aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia during the STS-61-C mission. It was operated by RCA Corporation and was designed to provide telecommunications services in a geostationary orbit.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: The satellite had a launch weight of 1,900 kilograms and a service entry weight of 1,021 kilograms.
- **Power Source**: SATCOM K1 was powered by a spacecraft solar array.
- **Orbit**: It operated in a geostationary orbit, providing continuous coverage over a specific area.
- **Space Tug**: The PAM-D2 space tug was used to maneuver SATCOM K1 into its operational orbit.

### Launch and Deployment
- **Launch Date**: January 12, 1986, at 11:55:00 UTC.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Space Shuttle Columbia (STS-61-C mission).
- **Launch Site**: Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A.

### Significance
- **RCA SATCOM Series**: SATCOM K1 was part of the RCA SATCOM series, which aimed to provide reliable telecommunications services.
- **Space Shuttle Utilization**: The satellite's launch aboard the Space Shuttle demonstrated the shuttle's capability for deploying satellites.
- **Technological Advancement**: SATCOM K1 contributed to the advancement of satellite communications technology.

### References
- **COSPAR ID**: 1986-003B
- **Aliases**: SATCOM K-1, SATCOM KU-1
- **Country of Origin**: United States

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  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "SATCOM K1",
  "description": "American communications satellite launched in 1986 aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SATCOM_K1"],
  "additionalType": "CommunicationsSatellite"
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## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/satcom-k1.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_stage/pam-d.htm)