# Superbird-A
**Wikidata**: [Q16061320](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16061320)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superbird-A)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/superbird-a

## Summary  
Superbird-A is a Japanese communications satellite launched on June 5, 1989, into geostationary orbit. It was deployed by an Ariane 44L rocket from the ELA-2 launch site and serves as part of Japan's domestic satellite communication infrastructure.

## Key Facts  
- Launched on **June 5, 1989**  
- Country of origin: **Japan**  
- Instance of: **Communications satellite**  
- Launch vehicle: **Ariane 44L**  
- Launch site: **ELA-2**  
- COSPAR ID: **1989-041A**  
- Satellite catalog number (SCN): **20040**  
- Operated in: **Geostationary orbit**  
- Alternate name: **Superbird 1**  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is Superbird-A used for?  
A: Superbird-A is a communications satellite designed to support telecommunications services in Japan. It operates in geostationary orbit to facilitate stable and continuous signal transmission.

### Q: When was Superbird-A launched?  
A: Superbird-A was launched on **June 5, 1989**, from the ELA-2 launch site using an Ariane 44L rocket.

### Q: Who developed or operated Superbird-A?  
A: Superbird-A is a Japanese satellite, developed and operated as part of Japan’s national satellite communications program.

## Why It Matters  
Superbird-A represents a key milestone in Japan's development of domestic satellite communications infrastructure. As one of the earlier satellites in the Superbird series, it contributed to enhancing Japan’s ability to manage high-capacity telecommunications independently. Its deployment supported advancements in broadcasting, data transmission, and secure communications during the late 1980s and beyond. The use of the European Ariane 44L launch system also highlights international cooperation in space technology during that era.

## Notable For  
- One of Japan’s early dedicated **domestic communications satellites**  
- First in the **Superbird series**, laying groundwork for future models  
- Launched via **Ariane 44L**, showcasing international collaboration in space launches  
- Positioned in **geostationary orbit**, enabling consistent coverage over fixed regions  
- Identified by SCN **20040**, used in space tracking databases such as Wolfram Language  

## Body  

### Overview  
Superbird-A, also known as Superbird 1, is a Japanese communications satellite launched into geostationary orbit. It played a foundational role in Japan’s satellite-based telecommunications network.

### Launch Details  
The satellite was launched on **June 5, 1989**, from the **ELA-2** launch complex. The launch vehicle used was the **Ariane 44L**, part of the European Space Agency's Ariane 4 rocket family.

- **Launch date**: 1989-06-05  
- **Launch site**: ELA-2  
- **Launch vehicle**: Ariane 44L  
- **COSPAR ID**: 1989-041A  
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 20040  

### Mission and Orbit  
Superbird-A was placed into **geostationary orbit**, allowing it to remain stationary relative to a point on Earth. This positioning made it ideal for telecommunications tasks requiring continuous coverage.

- **Orbit type**: Geostationary  
- **Function**: Telecommunications  

### Identification and References  
The satellite is indexed under multiple identifiers and databases:

- Aliases: Superbird 1  
- Wikipedia languages: English, Portuguese  
- Google Knowledge Graph ID: `/g/1pwgtfp8r`  
- Wolfram Language Entity Code: `Entity["Satellite", "20040"]`

These identifiers help track and reference the satellite across scientific, technical, and public knowledge platforms.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report