# ViaSat-1

> high throughput communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q2521638](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2521638)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ViaSat-1)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/viasat-1

## Summary
ViaSat-1 is a high throughput communications satellite designed for telecommunications and operated by Viasat. Launched on October 19, 2011, it is an artificial satellite of the Earth positioned in geostationary orbit.

## Key Facts
- **Operator:** Viasat
- **Launch Date:** October 19, 2011
- **Launch Vehicle:** Proton-M (Russian heavy lift launch vehicle)
- **Space Tug:** Briz-M
- **Launch Site:** Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200
- **Manufacturer:** Lanteris Space Systems
- **Classification:** High throughput communications satellite; Artificial satellite of the Earth
- **Orbit:** Geostationary orbit
- **COSPAR ID:** 2011-059A
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 37843

## FAQs
### Q: When was ViaSat-1 launched?
A: ViaSat-1 was launched on October 19, 2011, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200.

### Q: What rocket was used to launch ViaSat-1?
A: The satellite was launched using a Proton-M rocket, a Russian heavy lift launch vehicle, assisted by a Briz-M space tug.

### Q: What type of satellite is ViaSat-1?
A: ViaSat-1 is classified as a high throughput communications satellite and an artificial satellite of the Earth, designed specifically for telecommunications purposes.

## Why It Matters
ViaSat-1 serves as a critical infrastructure asset in the field of telecommunications. As a "high throughput communications satellite," it represents a class of spacecraft optimized to deliver large volumes of data, significantly increasing the capacity available for communication services compared to traditional satellites. Its placement in geostationary orbit allows it to maintain a fixed position relative to the Earth, providing consistent coverage to its service area. The project highlights international collaboration in space technology, utilizing a Russian launch vehicle (Proton-M) and a space tug (Briz-M) to deploy a satellite manufactured by Lanteris Space Systems for the operator Viasat.

## Notable For
- **Classification:** Designated as a high throughput communications satellite.
- **Launch Configuration:** Utilized a Proton-M launch vehicle with a Briz-M space tug.
- **Orbital Position:** Operates in geostationary orbit.
- **Identification:** Assigned the COSPAR ID 2011-059A and SCN 37843.

## Body
### Mission Overview
ViaSat-1 functions as an artificial satellite of the Earth, specifically categorized as a communications satellite. Its primary designation is that of a "high throughput" system, indicating its capability to handle significant bandwidth for telecommunications.

### Launch and Deployment
The satellite was successfully launched on **October 19, 2011**. The launch took place at **Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200**.

The deployment involved a **Proton-M** rocket, which is a Russian heavy lift launch vehicle developed from the Soviet/Russian Proton family. To facilitate the satellite's journey to its final orbit, a **Briz-M** space tug was utilized as part of the launch assembly.

### Technical Specifications
*   **Manufacturer:** The satellite was constructed by **Lanteris Space Systems**.
*   **Operator:** **Viasat** serves as the operator of the spacecraft.
*   **Orbit:** The satellite resides in a **geostationary orbit**.
*   **Identifiers:**
    *   COSPAR ID: 2011-059A
    *   Satellite Catalog Number (SCN): 37843
    *   Aliases: Viasat 1

## References

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