# Zeya
**Wikidata**: [Q3920718](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3920718)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/zeya

## Summary  
Zeya is a Russian amateur radio satellite launched into Earth orbit on March 4, 1997. It belongs to the Radio Sputnik series and was designed for use by amateur radio operators. The satellite was launched from the Svobodny Cosmodrome using a Start-1 rocket.

## Key Facts  
- COSPAR ID: 1997-010A  
- SCN (Satellite Catalog Number): 24744  
- Launch date: March 4, 1997  
- Launch site: Svobodny Cosmodrome  
- Launch vehicle: Start-1  
- Instance of: Artificial satellite of the Earth, Radio Sputnik  
- Named after: Zeya (likely referencing the town or river in Russia)  
- Significant event: Rocket launch on March 4, 1997 at Svobodny Cosmodrome  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is Zeya?  
A: Zeya is an amateur radio satellite developed by Russia and launched in 1997. It enables communication among amateur radio enthusiasts globally via signals transmitted from low Earth orbit.

### Q: When was Zeya launched?  
A: Zeya was launched on March 4, 1997, from the Svobodny Cosmodrome using a Start-1 launch vehicle.

### Q: What class of satellite is Zeya?  
A: Zeya is part of the Radio Sputnik program, which includes Soviet and Russian amateur radio satellites used for non-commercial communications purposes.

## Why It Matters  
Zeya plays a role in the global amateur radio community by providing a platform for international communication and experimentation in space-based radio technology. As part of the long-standing Radio Sputnik program, it supports educational outreach and hands-on experience with satellite operations for hobbyists and students alike. Its successful deployment demonstrates continued Russian involvement in small-scale orbital missions tailored for public engagement rather than commercial or military applications.

## Notable For  
- Being part of the historic Radio Sputnik series of amateur satellites  
- Launching aboard the relatively uncommon Start-1 rocket  
- Serving as a functional link for amateur radio transmissions since 1997  
- Representing one of many collaborative tools enabling worldwide amateur radio networking through space infrastructure  

## Body  
### Overview  
Zeya is an artificial satellite operated under the Radio Sputnik program, aimed at facilitating amateur radio communication across the globe. It was successfully placed into orbit on March 4, 1997.

### Technical Details  
- Satellite Catalog Number (SCN): 24744  
- International designation (COSPAR ID): 1997-010A  
- Designation as a Radio Sputnik satellite indicates its purpose within the amateur radio framework  

### Launch Information  
- Date: March 4, 1997  
- Site: Svobodny Cosmodrome  
- Vehicle: Start-1, a Russian solid-fuel space launch system primarily used for smaller payloads  

### Mission & Purpose  
As a member of the Radio Sputnik family, Zeya serves the amateur radio community by relaying voice and data signals between ground stations around the world. These satellites are often built and maintained with contributions from both governmental agencies and volunteer groups.

### Legacy  
Zeya contributes to the legacy of the Radio Sputnik program, which has historically enabled thousands of radio amateurs to engage in satellite-based communication experiments. This fosters technical education and cross-border collaboration without reliance on commercial networks.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report