# Telstar 401

> communications satellite owned by AT&T

**Wikidata**: [Q7697849](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7697849)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telstar_401)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/telstar-401

## Summary  
Telstar 401 is a communications satellite owned by AT&T Corporation. Launched on December 16, 1993, it operates in geostationary orbit and was deployed using an Atlas II launch vehicle from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 36.

## Key Facts  
- Owned and operated by AT&T Corporation  
- Launched on December 16, 1993  
- Deployed via Atlas II rocket  
- Launched from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 36  
- Operates in geostationary orbit  
- COSPAR ID: 1993-077A  
- Satellite Catalog Number (SCN): 22927  
- Instance of: Communications satellite  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is Telstar 401?  
A: Telstar 401 is a communications satellite used for telecommunications services. It was developed for use by AT&T Corporation and launched into geostationary orbit in 1993.

### Q: When was Telstar 401 launched?  
A: Telstar 401 was launched on December 16, 1993, from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 36 using an Atlas II rocket.

### Q: Who owns Telstar 401?  
A: Telstar 401 is owned and operated by AT&T Corporation, one of the largest telecommunications companies in the United States.

## Why It Matters  
Telstar 401 represents part of AT&T's infrastructure expansion during the early 1990s to meet growing demand for reliable satellite-based communication services. As a geostationary communications satellite, it played a role in enabling long-distance voice, video, and data transmission across North America. Its deployment contributed to advancements in global connectivity at a time when telecommunications networks were rapidly evolving to support increasing digital traffic.

## Notable For  
- Part of AT&T’s commercial satellite fleet in the 1990s  
- Launched aboard the Atlas II, a reliable American expendable launch system  
- Positioned in geostationary orbit for continuous coverage over fixed regions  
- Registered under international space identification code COSPAR ID 1993-077A  

## Body  
### Overview  
Telstar 401 is a commercial communications satellite designed to facilitate telecommunications services. It was constructed as part of AT&T’s efforts to expand satellite capacity during the mid-1990s era of rapid growth in global telecommunication needs.

### Technical Details  
- **Launch Date:** December 16, 1993  
- **Launch Vehicle:** Atlas II  
- **Launch Site:** Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 36  
- **Orbit Type:** Geostationary orbit  
- **Operator:** AT&T Corporation  
- **Catalog Number (SCN):** 22927  
- **International Identifier (COSPAR ID):** 1993-077A  

### Mission & Purpose  
As a member of the Telstar series, Telstar 401 supports point-to-point communications including television broadcasting, internet data transfer, and telephone services. The satellite enables signal relay between ground stations located across wide geographical areas due to its placement in geostationary orbit approximately 35,786 kilometers above Earth’s equator.

### Historical Context  
Launched during a period of intensified investment in satellite technology by major telecom providers, Telstar 401 reflects industry trends toward privatized and commercially driven space assets. It followed earlier models such as Telstar 1 and 301, building upon previous designs with updated capabilities suited to evolving market demands.

### Legacy  
While no longer active, Telstar 401 remains historically relevant within the context of U.S. satellite development and private sector involvement in space operations throughout the 1990s.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report