# Tintin A

> satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q56307467](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56307467)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/tintin-a

## Summary
Tintin A is a satellite launched on February 22, 2018, primarily serving as a technology demonstration spacecraft and communications satellite. It was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and later deorbited through atmospheric entry on August 29, 2020.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Technology demonstration spacecraft and communications satellite
- **Launch date**: February 22, 2018
- **Launch vehicle**: SpaceX Falcon 9
- **COSPAR ID**: 2018-020B
- **Deorbit date**: August 29, 2020 (atmospheric entry)
- **Aliases**: MicroSat 2a
- **Wikidata ID**: 43216
- **Wikipedia availability**: Russian language only

## FAQs
### Q: What was Tintin A used for?
A: Tintin A was primarily a technology demonstration spacecraft and communications satellite, launched to test experimental technologies and support telecommunications.

### Q: Who launched Tintin A?
A: Tintin A was launched by SpaceX using its Falcon 9 rocket on February 22, 2018.

### Q: When did Tintin A deorbit?
A: Tintin A reentered Earth's atmosphere on August 29, 2020, marking the end of its operational life.

### Q: What was Tintin A's COSPAR ID?
A: Tintin A's COSPAR ID is 2018-020B, assigned by the Committee on Space Research.

### Q: Is Tintin A still active?
A: No, Tintin A was decommissioned and deorbited in 2020.

## Why It Matters
Tintin A played a crucial role in advancing satellite technology by serving as a platform for experimental demonstrations. As a communications satellite, it contributed to global telecommunications infrastructure. Its mission highlighted the capabilities of SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket in deploying small satellites. The satellite's controlled deorbit in 2020 demonstrated responsible space debris mitigation practices. While not as widely recognized as other satellites, Tintin A's contributions were significant in its niche role in technology testing and communications.

## Notable For
- **Dual-purpose satellite**: Combined technology demonstration and communications functions.
- **SpaceX launch**: One of the first satellites deployed by SpaceX's Falcon 9.
- **Controlled deorbit**: Conducted atmospheric entry in 2020, ensuring safe disposal.
- **Russian Wikipedia presence**: Documented primarily in Russian language sources.
- **MicroSat 2a alias**: Operated under an alternative designation.

## Body
### Classification
Tintin A is classified as both a **technology demonstration spacecraft** and a **communications satellite**. This dual role allowed it to test experimental technologies while supporting telecommunications.

### Launch Details
- **Launch date**: February 22, 2018
- **Launch vehicle**: SpaceX Falcon 9 (United States)
- **COSPAR ID**: 2018-020B

### Operational Life
Tintin A remained operational until its deorbit in 2020. It was decommissioned and safely reentered Earth's atmosphere on **August 29, 2020**, adhering to space debris mitigation guidelines.

### Identification
- **Aliases**: MicroSat 2a
- **Wikidata ID**: 43216
- **Wikipedia availability**: Russian language only

### Significance
Tintin A's mission underscored the growing role of small satellites in technological innovation and global communications. Its controlled disposal demonstrated responsible spaceflight practices. While not a widely documented satellite, it made meaningful contributions to its designated fields.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. SATCAT