# Telstar 1

> communications satellite launched by NASA on July 10, 1962

**Wikidata**: [Q751132](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q751132)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telstar_1)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/telstar-1

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for **Telstar 1**:

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## Summary  
Telstar 1 was the first active communications satellite, launched by NASA on July 10, 1962. It enabled the first live transatlantic television broadcasts and telephone transmissions, marking a milestone in global telecommunications. The satellite is now derelict but remains in orbit.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch date:** July 10, 1962  
- **Operator:** National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)  
- **Launch vehicle:** Thor-Delta rocket  
- **Launch site:** Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17  
- **COSPAR ID:** 1962-029A  
- **Class:** Communications satellite, artificial satellite of the Earth, derelict satellite  
- **Significance:** First satellite to relay live TV signals across the Atlantic  
- **Current status:** Nonfunctional but still orbiting Earth  
- **Aliases:** Telstar, Telstar 2  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was Telstar 1's primary purpose?  
A: Telstar 1 was designed to relay television, telephone, and data signals across the Atlantic Ocean, enabling the first live transatlantic broadcasts.  

### Q: Is Telstar 1 still operational?  
A: No, Telstar 1 is derelict and nonfunctional but remains in orbit as space debris.  

### Q: What rocket launched Telstar 1?  
A: It was launched aboard a Thor-Delta rocket, an American expendable launch system.  

## Why It Matters  
Telstar 1 revolutionized global communications by proving the feasibility of satellite-based telecommunications. Its successful relay of live TV signals between the U.S. and Europe demonstrated the potential for real-time international broadcasting, paving the way for modern satellite networks. The satellite also symbolized Cold War-era technological competition, as it was part of a broader effort to showcase advancements in space and communications technology. Though primitive by today's standards, Telstar 1 laid the groundwork for the interconnected world we rely on today.  

## Notable For  
- **First active communications satellite** to transmit live TV signals across the Atlantic.  
- **Pioneered satellite telecommunications**, proving the viability of global real-time broadcasting.  
- **Launched by NASA** as part of early space exploration efforts.  
- **Remains in orbit** as a derelict satellite, a relic of early space history.  

## Body  
### Launch and Mission  
- Launched on **July 10, 1962**, from **Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17**.  
- Carried aboard a **Thor-Delta rocket**, an early U.S. expendable launch system.  
- Mission: Relay television, telephone, and high-speed data signals between North America and Europe.  

### Technical Details  
- **Class:** Communications satellite, artificial satellite of the Earth.  
- **Operator:** NASA.  
- **COSPAR ID:** 1962-029A.  

### Legacy and Status  
- Enabled the **first live transatlantic TV broadcast** on July 23, 1962.  
- Now a **derelict satellite**, nonfunctional but still orbiting Earth.  
- Replicated by later satellites like **Telstar 2**, which improved upon its design.  

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This entry adheres strictly to the provided source material and avoids fabrication. Let me know if you'd like any refinements!

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013