# Viking

> Sweden's first satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q2032631](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2032631)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viking_(satellite))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/viking

## Summary
Viking is Sweden's first satellite, launched on February 22, 1986, aboard an Ariane 1 rocket from the Ensemble de Lancement Vega. It is an Earth observation satellite designed to monitor and study the planet from orbit.

## Key Facts
- **First Swedish satellite**: Viking was Sweden's inaugural artificial satellite.
- **Launch date**: February 22, 1986, from Ensemble de Lancement Vega.
- **Launch vehicle**: Ariane 1, a rocket from the Ariane family.
- **Classification**: Earth observation satellite, specifically designed for monitoring Earth.
- **COSPAR ID**: 1986-019B, assigned by the Committee on Space Research.
- **Wikidata ID**: 16614, used for structured data representation.
- **Wikipedia title**: "Viking (satellite)" in multiple languages (en, de, fi, etc.).
- **Image available**: A photograph of the Viking satellite on an Ariane adapter.

## FAQs
### Q: What was Viking's primary purpose?
A: Viking was an Earth observation satellite designed to study and monitor the planet from orbit, marking Sweden's first foray into space exploration.

### Q: Which rocket launched Viking?
A: Viking was launched aboard an Ariane 1 rocket from the Ensemble de Lancement Vega on February 22, 1986.

### Q: Is Viking still operational?
A: The source material does not specify Viking's operational status, but it was Sweden's first satellite, launched in 1986.

### Q: What makes Viking significant for Sweden?
A: Viking was a historic milestone for Sweden, serving as the country's first artificial satellite and contributing to its early space exploration efforts.

### Q: Where can I find images of Viking?
A: An image of the Viking satellite on an Ariane adapter is available on Wikimedia Commons.

## Why It Matters
Viking holds historical significance as Sweden's first satellite, marking the country's entry into the space exploration arena. As an Earth observation satellite, it played a role in monitoring and studying the planet from orbit. Its launch in 1986 aboard an Ariane 1 rocket demonstrated Sweden's growing capabilities in space technology. While specific details about its operational lifespan or achievements are limited, Viking represents a foundational step in Sweden's space program, paving the way for future advancements in satellite technology and Earth observation.

## Notable For
- **First Swedish satellite**: Viking was Sweden's inaugural artificial satellite, launched in 1986.
- **Earth observation**: Designed specifically for monitoring and studying Earth from orbit.
- **Ariane 1 launch**: Launched aboard the Ariane 1 rocket, a significant milestone in Sweden's space exploration.
- **Wikidata representation**: Assigned a unique identifier (16614) for structured data in knowledge bases.
- **Multilingual Wikipedia presence**: Documented in multiple languages, reflecting its international interest.

## Body
### Launch and Mission
Viking was launched on February 22, 1986, from the Ensemble de Lancement Vega using the Ariane 1 rocket. It was Sweden's first satellite, marking the country's entry into space exploration. The satellite was classified as an Earth observation satellite, designed to monitor and study the planet from orbit.

### Identification and Classification
Viking is identified by the COSPAR ID 1986-019B and the Wikidata ID 16614. It is categorized as an artificial satellite of the Earth and specifically as an Earth observation satellite. The satellite's image, depicting it on an Ariane adapter, is available on Wikimedia Commons.

### Historical Context
Viking holds historical significance as Sweden's first satellite, contributing to the country's early space exploration efforts. Its launch aboard the Ariane 1 rocket demonstrated Sweden's growing capabilities in space technology. While specific details about its operational lifespan or achievements are not provided, Viking represents a foundational step in Sweden's space program.

### Documentation and Representation
Viking is documented in multiple languages on Wikipedia, including English, German, Finnish, and others. It is also represented in structured data formats, such as Wikidata, for knowledge base integration. The satellite's presence in knowledge graphs and multilingual documentation reflects its international interest and relevance.

## References

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