# UoSAT-3

> defunct British Low Earth Orbit Satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q7897870](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7897870)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UoSAT-3)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/uosat-3

## Summary  
UoSAT-3 was a defunct British Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite operated by the University of Surrey. It was an amateur radio satellite and part of the HealthNet medical communication service. Launched in 1990, it was manufactured by Surrey Satellite Technology and deployed via an Ariane 40 rocket.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date**: January 22, 1990 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Operator**: University of Surrey ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328))  
- **Manufacturer**: Surrey Satellite Technology ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328))  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Ariane 40 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **COSPAR ID**: 1990-005B ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328))  
- **Type**: Amateur radio satellite and part of HealthNet ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328))  
- **Launch Site**: ELA-2 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Status**: Defunct  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was the purpose of UoSAT-3?  
A: UoSAT-3 served as an amateur radio satellite and supported HealthNet, a medical satellite communication service.  

### Q: Who built and operated UoSAT-3?  
A: It was manufactured by Surrey Satellite Technology and operated by the University of Surrey.  

### Q: When was UoSAT-3 launched?  
A: It was launched on January 22, 1990, aboard an Ariane 40 rocket from ELA-2.  

## Why It Matters  
UoSAT-3 was significant as an early example of a university-led satellite project, demonstrating the feasibility of small, cost-effective satellites for communication and research. It contributed to amateur radio communications and supported HealthNet, which aimed to improve medical communication in remote areas. The mission also showcased the capabilities of Surrey Satellite Technology, a pioneer in small satellite development. Its success helped pave the way for future academic and commercial satellite initiatives.  

## Notable For  
- **Early University Satellite**: One of the first satellites operated by a university (University of Surrey).  
- **Dual Role**: Combined amateur radio functionality with medical communication (HealthNet).  
- **Ariane 40 Launch**: Deployed via the Ariane 40 rocket, a notable launch vehicle.  
- **Surrey Satellite Technology**: Manufactured by a company that became a leader in small satellites.  

## Body  
### Launch and Deployment  
- Launched on **January 22, 1990**, from **ELA-2** aboard an **Ariane 40** rocket ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367)).  
- **COSPAR ID**: 1990-005B ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328)).  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Operator**: University of Surrey ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328)).  
- **Manufacturer**: Surrey Satellite Technology ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328)).  

### Mission and Function  
- **Amateur Radio Satellite**: Enabled amateur radio communications ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328)).  
- **HealthNet**: Supported medical satellite communication services ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328)).  

### Status  
- **Defunct**: No longer operational.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report