# Tournesol

> 1971 artificial satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q13218950](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q13218950)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/tournesol

## Summary
Tournesol was a French artificial satellite launched on April 15, 1971, from the ELA-3 launch site using a Diamant rocket. It was part of France's early space program and represents one of the country's contributions to satellite technology in the early 1970s.

## Key Facts
- Launch date: April 15, 1971
- Launch site: ELA-3
- Launch vehicle: Diamant rocket
- Satellite type: Artificial satellite
- COSPAR ID: 1971-030A
- NSSDCA ID: 1971-030A
- Satellite catalog number: 05128
- Wikipedia languages: French, Hungarian
- Wolfram Language entity code: Entity["Satellite", "05128"]

### Q: What was Tournesol?
A: Tournesol was a French artificial satellite launched in 1971 as part of France's space program. It was launched using a Diamant rocket from the ELA-3 launch site.

### Q: When was Tournesol launched?
A: Tournesol was launched on April 15, 1971, from the ELA-3 launch site in France.

### Q: What type of rocket launched Tournesol?
A: Tournesol was launched using a Diamant rocket, which was a French expendable satellite launcher.

## Why It Matters
Tournesol represents an important milestone in France's space exploration efforts during the early 1970s. As one of France's early artificial satellites, it demonstrated the country's growing capabilities in space technology and satellite deployment. The successful launch using the indigenous Diamant rocket system showcased France's ability to independently develop and deploy space technology, contributing to the nation's prestige in the international space community. This satellite was part of a broader effort by European nations to establish their presence in space during the Cold War era, when space technology was becoming increasingly important for both scientific and strategic purposes.

## Notable For
- One of France's early artificial satellites from the 1970s
- Launched using France's indigenous Diamant rocket system
- Part of France's independent space program development
- Successfully deployed from the ELA-3 launch facility
- Documented in both French and Hungarian Wikipedia editions

## Body
### Launch Details
Tournesol was launched on April 15, 1971, from the ELA-3 launch site. The satellite was carried into orbit by a Diamant rocket, which was France's primary expendable launch vehicle at the time. The Diamant program represented France's efforts to develop independent launch capabilities during the space race era.

### Technical Specifications
The satellite is cataloged under COSPAR ID 1971-030A and NSSDCA ID 1971-030A. It has been assigned the satellite catalog number 05128, which is used for tracking and identification purposes in space object databases.

### Historical Context
As a French artificial satellite from 1971, Tournesol was part of France's broader space program development during a period when many nations were establishing their presence in space. The successful deployment of this satellite using domestic technology demonstrated France's growing capabilities in space technology and launch systems.

### Documentation and Recognition
Tournesol has been documented in multiple languages, with Wikipedia articles available in both French and Hungarian. The satellite is also recognized in computational knowledge systems, having a Wolfram Language entity code for reference in mathematical and scientific computing applications.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report