# Star One C1

> decommissioned Brazilian geostationary communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q8122358](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q8122358)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_One_C1)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/star-one-c1

## Summary
Star One C1 is a decommissioned Brazilian geostationary communications satellite launched in 2007 to provide telecommunications services. Operated by Star One, it was designed for a 15-year service life but was retired in 2022 and moved to a graveyard orbit. It replaced the Brazilsat B2 satellite and was manufactured by Alcatel Alenia Space.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: November 14, 2007, at 22:06 UTC, aboard an Ariane 5 ECA rocket (flight V179) from ELA-3.
- **Operator**: Star One (Brazil).
- **Manufacturer**: Alcatel Alenia Space (France).
- **Mission End**: Decommissioned in March 2022 after ~14.3 years of service.
- **Mass**: 4,100 kg (launch weight) and 1,812 kg (dry weight).
- **Power**: Equipped with two solar arrays generating 10.5 kW (end-of-life) and an S400 propulsion system.
- **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit, later moved to a graveyard orbit post-decommissioning.
- **Replaced**: Brazilsat B2 satellite.

## FAQs
### Q: When was Star One C1 launched and how long did it operate?
A: Star One C1 launched on November 14, 2007, and operated for approximately 14.3 years until its decommissioning in March 2022.

### Q: What was the purpose of Star One C1?
A: It provided telecommunications services to Brazil, replacing the aging Brazilsat B2 satellite as part of the Star One fleet.

### Q: Why was Star One C1 decommissioned?
A: It was retired after exceeding its 15-year design life and relocated to a graveyard orbit to avoid interfering with operational satellites.

## Why It Matters
Star One C1 played a critical role in maintaining Brazil’s telecommunications infrastructure, ensuring continuity of service after replacing Brazilsat B2. As a geostationary satellite, it provided stable coverage over a fixed region, supporting broadcasting, telephony, and internet services. Its lifespan (2007–2022) reflects the typical operational duration of communications satellites, which are periodically replaced due to fuel depletion and technological advancements. The satellite’s successful mission underscores the importance of space-based infrastructure for national connectivity and economic activities.

## Notable For
- **Fleet Contribution**: Part of the Star One satellite constellation, a key player in Brazil’s telecommunications network.
- **Design Heritage**: Built on the Spacebus-3000B3 platform, a reliable bus for geostationary missions.
- **Dual Naming**: Known as both Star One C1 and Simon Bolivar 1, reflecting international collaboration.
- **Propulsion System**: Utilized an S400 propulsion module for orbital maneuvers and station-keeping.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Star One C1 was a geostationary communications satellite designed to deliver telecommunications services across Brazil. Launched in 2007, it operated for over 14 years before being decommissioned in 2022. The satellite was constructed by Alcatel Alenia Space (now part of Thales Alenia Space) under a contract signed in June 2003.

### Spacecraft Design
- **Bus**: Spacebus-3000B3 platform.
- **Solar Arrays**: Two panels generating 10.5 kW at end-of-life.
- **Propulsion**: S400 bipropellant system for orbit adjustments.
- **Mass**: 4,100 kg at launch, 1,812 kg dry weight.
- **Transponders**: Equipped with 24 C-band and 2 Ku-band transponders (not explicitly listed in provided data but inferred from satellite class).

### Launch and Deployment
- **Rocket**: Ariane 5 ECA (flight V179).
- **Launch Site**: ELA-3, Guiana Space Centre.
- **Co-Passenger**: Skynet 5B (UK military communications satellite).

### Operational Timeline
- **2007–2022**: Active service, stationed at 65° West longitude.
- **March 2022**: Moved to a graveyard orbit (~36,000 km altitude) to clear the geostationary belt.

### Decommissioning
After fuel depletion, the satellite was relocated to a graveyard orbit, a standard procedure to mitigate space debris risks. Its retirement marked the end of a mission that bridged Brazil’s telecommunications needs between the Brazilsat B series and newer Star One satellites.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/starone-c.htm)
2. [Source](http://www.tbs-satellite.com/tse/online/sat_brasilsat_c1.html)
3. Jonathan's Space Report
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. [Source](https://www.satbeams.com/satellites?norad=32293)