# WRESAT

> first Australian satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q2141441](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2141441)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WRESAT)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/wresat

## Summary  
WRESAT was the first Australian satellite, launched on 29 November 1967. It was a military satellite deployed using the Sparta rocket from Woomera Village and re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 10 January 1968.

## Key Facts  
- **First Australian satellite**: Launched on 29 November 1967.  
- **Launch vehicle**: Sparta, a three-stage rocket.  
- **Launch site**: Woomera Village, Australia.  
- **COSPAR ID**: 1967-118A.  
- **Satellite type**: Military satellite.  
- **Orbit decay**: Re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 10 January 1968.  
- **Alternative name**: Also known as Wresat 1.  
- **Wolfram Language entity code**: Entity["Satellite", "03054"].  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was WRESAT's purpose?  
A: WRESAT was a military satellite, though specific mission details are not publicly documented in the provided sources.  

### Q: How long did WRESAT stay in orbit?  
A: It remained in orbit for about six weeks, re-entering Earth's atmosphere on 10 January 1968.  

### Q: Where was WRESAT launched from?  
A: It was launched from Woomera Village, Australia, using the Sparta rocket.  

## Why It Matters  
WRESAT marked Australia's entry into space exploration, demonstrating the country's capability to develop and launch satellites. As the first Australian satellite, it laid groundwork for future aerospace initiatives and collaborations. Its military classification suggests it may have contributed to defense-related space research, though exact details are sparse. The mission also highlighted the strategic importance of Woomera as a launch site. WRESAT's short but historic flight remains a milestone in Australia's scientific and technological history.  

## Notable For  
- **First Australian satellite**: Pioneered Australia's space program.  
- **Military application**: Classified as a military satellite, though specifics are unclear.  
- **Quick mission duration**: Operated for only six weeks before re-entry.  

## Body  
### Launch Details  
- **Date**: 29 November 1967.  
- **Rocket**: Sparta, a three-stage vehicle.  
- **Location**: Woomera Village, Australia.  

### Technical Specifications  
- **COSPAR ID**: 1967-118A.  
- **Wolfram Language entity code**: Entity["Satellite", "03054"].  

### Mission Timeline  
- **Launch**: 29 November 1967.  
- **Re-entry**: 10 January 1968.  

### Classification  
- **Type**: Military satellite.  
- **Alias**: Wresat 1.

## References

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