Subscribe with SteadyAsterix (A 1)
Asterix [CNES]
Asterix or A-1 was the first french satellite.
The main purpose was evaluation of the Diamant-A launch vehicle, but the on board transmitter was to be used for ionospheric measurements (failed due to the short operational time of the transmitter).
Two prototypes were launched on suborbital Rubis rockets before the orbital attempt was made.
| Nation: | France |
|---|---|
| Type / Application: | Technology |
| Operator: | CNES |
| Contractors: | CNES |
| Equipment: | Transmitter |
| Configuration: | |
| Propulsion: | None |
| Power: | Batteries |
| Lifetime: | |
| Mass: | 42 kg |
| Orbit: | 527 km × 1697 km, 34.3° |
| Satellite | COSPAR | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A-1 capsule 1 | N/A | 31.05.1965 | Ha Bacchus | * | Rubis | |
| A-1 capsule 2 | N/A | 03.06.1965 | Ha Bacchus | * | Rubis | |
| Asterix (A 1) | 1965-096A | 26.11.1965 | Ha Brigitte | Diamant-A |
* = suborbital
Launch Sites:
- Ha = Centre interarmées dessais dengins spéciaux (CIEES), Hammaguir, Algeria
