What was the primary designation and alternative name for Venezuela's first satellite?

Venezuela's first satellite was designated VeneSat-1, and it was also known by the name Simón Bolívar, honoring the prominent Venezuelan independence fighter.

Who was responsible for the design, construction, and launch of VeneSat-1?

The design, construction, and launch of VeneSat-1 were carried out by the China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC), which is a subsidiary of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.

What type of satellite was VeneSat-1, and what kind of orbit did it occupy?

VeneSat-1 was a communications satellite designed to operate from a geosynchronous orbit. This type of orbit allows the satellite to maintain a fixed position relative to a point on Earth's surface.

On what date and time was VeneSat-1 launched, and what rocket was used for its deployment?

VeneSat-1 was launched on October 29, 2008, at 16:53 UTC. The launch vehicle used was a Chinese Long March 3B carrier rocket.

Which Venezuelan agency was responsible for operating VeneSat-1?

VeneSat-1 was operated by Venezuela's Bolivarian Agency for Space Activities, commonly referred to by its acronym, ABAE.

What was the specific satellite bus model utilized for VeneSat-1?

VeneSat-1 was constructed using the DFH-4 satellite bus, which was developed by the China Academy of Space Technology.

What was the total launch mass of the VeneSat-1 satellite?

The satellite had a launch mass of 5,049 kilograms, which is equivalent to approximately 11,131 pounds.

What was the intended operational lifespan for VeneSat-1?

VeneSat-1 was designed with an expected service life of 15 years.

Could you describe the transponder payload carried by VeneSat-1?

VeneSat-1's payload included 14 transponders operating in the C-band, 12 transponders in the Ku-band, and 2 transponders in the Ka-band, enabling various communication services.

What was the designated orbital slot for VeneSat-1, and how was this position acquired?

VeneSat-1 was positioned in an orbital slot at 78° West longitude. This specific geostationary slot had been originally designated for Uruguay but was subsequently ceded to Venezuela through a mutual agreement.

What were the primary services provided by VeneSat-1?

The satellite was utilized to provide essential services such as television broadcasting and broadband internet connectivity.

When did VeneSat-1 begin to experience significant operational issues leading to its deactivation?

VeneSat-1 went out of service starting around March 13, 2020, indicating the beginning of its operational failure.

What technical failures led to VeneSat-1 becoming inoperable and tumbling?

The satellite became inoperable due to a series of maneuvers that resulted in it tumbling uncontrollably. This was preceded by the loss of both its solar array drives between February and March 2020, causing a critical power loss.

What emergency procedure was attempted for VeneSat-1, and what factors likely contributed to its failure?

An emergency maneuver to move the spacecraft to a graveyard orbit was attempted. However, it is believed that the perigee burn failed, possibly due to the spacecraft exhausting its fuel supply or running out of power during the attempt.

What was the approximate final orbital configuration of VeneSat-1 as of late March 2020?

As of March 23, 2020, VeneSat-1 was observed to be in an elliptical orbit, with altitudes ranging between approximately 35,800 and 36,300 kilometers. Additionally, it had drifted approximately 30 degrees westward from its intended geostationary position.

On what date did the Venezuelan government officially declare VeneSat-1 lost?

Venezuela's Ministry of Science and Technology officially declared the satellite lost on March 25, 2020, marking the definitive end of its mission.

How did VeneSat-1's mission duration compare to its planned operational lifespan?

VeneSat-1 failed approximately three years prior to its originally planned end of life, which was projected to be 15 years after its launch.

What was the total duration VeneSat-1 remained operational?

The satellite's actual operational mission lasted for 11 years, 4 months, and 24 days.

What was the strategic significance of VeneSat-1 concerning the regional network Telesur?

VeneSat-1 played a key role in amplifying the reach of Telesur's programming by enabling the network to circumvent geo-blocking restrictions that might have been imposed by service providers like DirecTV.

What is the official COSPAR ID assigned to the VeneSat-1 satellite?

The international designation, or COSPAR ID, assigned to VeneSat-1 is 2008-055A.

What is the SATCAT number associated with the VeneSat-1 satellite?

The satellite catalog number, often abbreviated as SATCAT no., for VeneSat-1 is 33414.

When did VeneSat-1 officially commence its operational service?

VeneSat-1 officially entered service in January 2009, several months after its successful launch in October 2008.

What was the official classification for the disposal or end-of-mission status of VeneSat-1?

The end-of-mission status for VeneSat-1 was recorded as a 'Loss of spacecraft'.

Can you detail the key orbital parameters of VeneSat-1 in its geostationary orbit?

In its geostationary orbit, VeneSat-1 maintained a semi-major axis of 42,448.3 km, an eccentricity of 0.0056487, a perigee altitude of 35,830.4 km, an apogee altitude of 36,309.9 km, and an inclination of 0.0472° relative to the Earth's equatorial plane.

What was the epoch date and time recorded for VeneSat-1's orbital parameters?

The epoch, which is a reference point in time for orbital elements, for VeneSat-1's parameters was March 24, 2020, at 05:04:06 UTC.

What frequency bands did VeneSat-1 utilize, and what were their respective primary coverage areas?

VeneSat-1 utilized C-band transponders for coverage across South America, while its Ku-band and Ka-band transponders were primarily focused on the Venezuela region.

What happened to VeneSat-1's communication functions after it became inoperable?

Following VeneSat-1's operational failure, the majority of its communication functions were transferred to the American satellite Intelsat 14 on March 24, 2020.

What historical figure is honored by the satellite's alternative name, Simón Bolívar?

The name Simón Bolívar honors the pivotal leader of the independence movements in South America against Spanish colonial rule.

Who manufactured the DFH-4 satellite bus that served as the platform for VeneSat-1?

The DFH-4 satellite bus, which formed the structural and systems foundation for VeneSat-1, was manufactured by the China Academy of Space Technology.

What was the power generation capacity of the VeneSat-1 satellite?

The satellite was equipped to generate 7.75 kilowatts (kW) of power.

What specific variant of the Long March rocket was employed for the launch of VeneSat-1?

The Long March 3B/E model was the specific variant of the Long March rocket used to carry VeneSat-1 into orbit.

What is the significance of the 78° West longitude designation for VeneSat-1's orbit?

The 78° West longitude marked the geostationary orbital slot assigned to VeneSat-1, a position that had been previously allocated to Uruguay before being ceded to Venezuela.

What types of services were primarily facilitated by VeneSat-1's C-band transponders?

The C-band transponders on VeneSat-1 were utilized to provide communication services, including television broadcasting and broadband connectivity, across the continent of South America.

What was the geographical focus for the services provided by VeneSat-1's Ku and Ka-band transponders?

The Ku-band and Ka-band transponders on VeneSat-1 were primarily directed towards serving the Venezuela region.

In the context of satellite orbits, what does it mean for an orbit to be geosynchronous?

A geosynchronous orbit means that the satellite's orbital period matches the Earth's rotational period, causing it to appear in the same position in the sky over a 24-hour cycle. A geostationary orbit is a specific type of geosynchronous orbit directly above the equator, making the satellite appear stationary.

What information does the COSPAR ID '2008-055A' convey about VeneSat-1?

The COSPAR ID '2008-055A' indicates that VeneSat-1 was the first payload (A) launched in the 55th launch event (055) of the year 2008, according to the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) numbering system.

What is the function of a 'satellite bus' in spacecraft engineering?

A satellite bus, such as the DFH-4 used for VeneSat-1, provides the fundamental infrastructure for the satellite. It includes essential systems like power generation and distribution, propulsion, attitude control, thermal management, and command and data handling, which support the satellite's payload.

What are the key distinctions between C-band, Ku-band, and Ka-band frequencies used in satellite communications?

These terms refer to different frequency ranges used for satellite transmissions. C-band is known for its resilience to rain fade, Ku-band offers higher bandwidth capacity, and Ka-band provides even greater capacity but is more susceptible to atmospheric interference. Each band has different propagation characteristics and equipment requirements.

What does the term 'loss of spacecraft' signify regarding a satellite's mission status?

'Loss of spacecraft' denotes that the satellite has ceased to function or is no longer controllable, resulting in the termination of its mission. This typically occurs due to critical system failures, irreparable damage, or complete loss of power.

What is the purpose of maneuvering a satellite into a 'graveyard orbit'?

A graveyard orbit is a designated orbital region, usually situated above the operational geostationary belt, where satellites are moved at the end of their service life. This practice helps to prevent collisions with active satellites and mitigates the accumulation of space debris in valuable operational orbits.

What does it mean for a satellite to be 'tumbling' in orbit?

When a satellite is described as 'tumbling,' it indicates that it is rotating in an uncontrolled manner around multiple axes. This uncontrolled rotation makes it extremely difficult to maintain proper orientation for its communication antennas, solar panels, or scientific instruments.

Why is a satellite drifting from its assigned orbital position considered a significant issue?

Satellites in geostationary orbit are assigned specific longitude slots to ensure continuous coverage over particular regions. If a satellite drifts, it deviates from its designated position, disrupting its intended service area and potentially causing interference with other satellites operating nearby.

How does 'geo-blocking' affect the distribution of media content?

Geo-blocking is a method used to restrict access to digital content based on a user's geographical location. In the context of satellite broadcasting, it can prevent content from being viewed outside of specific licensed regions.

What role did the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation play in the overall project of VeneSat-1?

The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, through its subsidiary CGWIC, provided comprehensive services for VeneSat-1, encompassing its design, manufacturing, and launch.

What is the function of a 'transponder' aboard a satellite?

A transponder is a critical component on a satellite that receives signals on one frequency, amplifies them, and then re-transmits them on a different frequency back to Earth. These devices are essential for relaying various forms of communication.

What is the difference between 'perigee' and 'apogee' in the context of an elliptical orbit?

Perigee refers to the point in an orbit where a satellite is closest to the central body (in this case, Earth), while apogee is the point where the satellite is farthest from the central body.

What does the term 'orbital inclination' measure concerning a satellite's path?

Orbital inclination measures the angle between a satellite's orbital plane and a reference plane, typically the Earth's equatorial plane. A very low inclination, like VeneSat-1's 0.0472°, indicates that its orbit is nearly aligned with the equator.

What is the purpose of the 'Spaceflight portal' mentioned in the article's 'See also' section?

The 'Spaceflight portal' serves as a navigational link, likely within an online encyclopedia, that consolidates and provides access to a wide range of articles and information pertaining to the field of spaceflight.

Venesat-1 Wiki: VeneSat-1: Venezuela's Celestial Endeavor

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Overview

Identity and Naming

VeneSat-1, also known by its operational name Simón Bolívar, holds the distinction of being Venezuela's inaugural satellite. Named in honor of the prominent Venezuelan independence leader Simón Bolívar, its development and launch marked a significant milestone in the nation's space program.

Technical Specifications

Constructed upon the Chinese DFH-4 satellite bus, VeneSat-1 was manufactured by the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST). It possessed a substantial launch mass of 5,049 kg (11,131 lb) and dimensions of 2.36 × 2.1 × 4 meters. The spacecraft was powered by a system generating 7.75 kW and featured a versatile payload comprising 14 C-band, 12 Ku-band, and 2 Ka-band transponders, designed for broad communication capabilities.

Orbital Parameters

VeneSat-1 operated within a geostationary orbit, maintaining a fixed position relative to a point on Earth's equator. Its designated orbital slot was 78° West longitude, a position ceded to Venezuela by Uruguay. This geostationary regime allowed for continuous communication coverage over its target regions.

Detailed Specifications

Physical and Power Characteristics

The satellite's physical dimensions were approximately 2.36 meters in length, 2.1 meters in width, and 4 meters in height. Its power system generated 7.75 kW, sufficient to operate its extensive transponder array and onboard systems throughout its mission life.

Communication Payload

VeneSat-1 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of transponders to facilitate diverse communication services:

C-band: 14 transponders, primarily for television broadcasting and general communication across South America.
Ku-band: 12 transponders, often used for broadband internet services and higher-definition television.
Ka-band: 2 transponders, enabling higher data rates for advanced broadband applications.

The coverage area for C-band extended across South America, while the Ku and Ka bands focused specifically on the Venezuelan region.

Orbital Configuration

In its geostationary orbit, VeneSat-1 maintained a semi-major axis of approximately 42,448.3 km. Its orbital eccentricity was minimal at 0.0056487, indicating a nearly circular path. The perigee and apogee altitudes were around 35,830.4 km and 36,309.9 km, respectively, with a very slight inclination of 0.0472°.

Launch and Mission Initiation

Launch Details

VeneSat-1 was launched on October 29, 2008, at 16:53 UTC. The launch vehicle was a Chinese Long March 3B/E carrier rocket, departing from Launch Complex 2 at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center. The satellite officially entered service in January 2009.

Planned vs. Actual Duration

The satellite was designed with an expected service life of 15 years. However, its operational mission concluded significantly earlier due to unforeseen technical failures, lasting approximately 11 years, 4 months, and 24 days.

Operational Status and Decommissioning

Mission Challenges

Beginning around March 13, 2020, VeneSat-1 experienced critical issues. The satellite lost functionality of its solar array drives between February and March 2020, leading to a severe loss of power. Subsequent attempts to maneuver the spacecraft into a graveyard orbit were unsuccessful. While the apogee engine burn reportedly succeeded, the perigee burn failed, suggesting a potential power depletion or fuel exhaustion during the maneuver.

End of Service

As a result of these failures, VeneSat-1 began tumbling and drifting from its assigned geostationary position. By March 23, 2020, it was in an elliptical orbit, deviating significantly from its intended path. On March 24, 2020, Venezuela transferred most of VeneSat-1's functions to the American Intelsat 14 satellite. The following day, March 25, 2020, the Venezuelan Ministry of Science and Technology officially declared the satellite lost, marking the definitive end of its operational life.

Significance and Impact

Regional Connectivity and Media

VeneSat-1 played a strategic role in enhancing regional network capabilities, particularly for the multi-national news channel Telesur. By providing dedicated satellite capacity, it enabled Telesur's programming to bypass geo-blocking restrictions imposed by providers like DirecTV, thereby expanding its reach and influence across South America.

Related Projects

Other Venezuelan and Regional Satellites

VeneSat-1 was part of Venezuela's broader initiative in space technology. Other related projects include:

VRSS-1 (Francisco de Miranda): Venezuela's first remote sensing satellite.
VRSS-2 (Simón Bolívar): A subsequent remote sensing satellite.

The development and operation of these satellites underscore Venezuela's commitment to leveraging space technology for national development and regional cooperation.

External Resources

Official Information

For further details on VeneSat-1, consult the official resources:

VeneSat-1 Official Page at ABAE (opens in new tab)

References

Source Citations

Henry, Caleb (23 March 2020). "Venezuela's flagship communications satellite out of service and tumbling". SpaceNews. Retrieved 24 March 2020.
Rueda, Manuel (27 March 2020). "Venezuela's only telecoms satellite is lost in space". Associated Press. Retrieved 27 March 2020.
"VeneSat-1 (Simon Bolivar 1)". Gunter's Space Page. 12 November 2017. Retrieved 24 March 2020.
"In-Orbit Delivery: VeneSat-1 Program". China Great Wall Industry Corporation. Retrieved 24 March 2020.
"Especificaciones VENESAT-1". ABAE. Retrieved 15 April 2020.
"VeneSat 1". NASA Space Science Data Coordinated Archive. NASA. Retrieved 24 March 2020.
"VeneSat-1 - Orbit". Heavens-Above. 24 March 2020. Retrieved 24 March 2020.
"Venesat 1". Satbeams. Retrieved 24 March 2020.
Barbosa, Rui C. (29 October 2008). "China launch VENESAT-1 - debut bird for Venezuela". NASASpaceFlight.com. Retrieved 29 October 2008.
B.H.Schneiderman (5 March 2012). "Update on the Latin American Satellite Market". satellitemarkets.com. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
Henry, Caleb (30 March 2020). "Solar array problem killed Venezuela's VeneSat-1, officials confirm". SpaceNews. Retrieved 31 March 2020.
Todd, David (23 March 2020). "Venesat is retired to graveyard after suspected power issue". Seradata. Retrieved 25 March 2020.
Juan Pons (2 April 2020). "Nicolás Maduro pierde el que fue el juguete chino preferido de Hugo Chávez". Atalayar. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
Davis, Stuart (2023). Sanctions as War: Anti-Imperialist Perspectives on American Geo-Economic Strategy. Haymarket Books. p. 68. ISBN 978-1-64259-812-4. OCLC 1345216431.

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References

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This page has been meticulously generated by an Artificial Intelligence, drawing exclusively from the provided Source of Truth. It is intended for advanced educational and informational purposes, aimed at Master's level students and above. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness based on the source material, this content is a derivative work and may not reflect the absolute latest developments or nuances beyond the scope of the provided text.

This is not professional engineering or operational advice. The information presented here is not a substitute for consultation with qualified aerospace engineers, satellite operators, or relevant technical experts. Users should consult official documentation and professional resources for any critical applications or decisions.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein. Always verify critical information through primary sources.

VeneSat-1: Venezuela's Celestial Endeavor

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview ℹ️

🛰️ Identity and Naming

⚙️ Technical Specifications

🌍 Orbital Parameters

Detailed Specifications 📊

📏 Physical and Power Characteristics

📡 Communication Payload

🌌 Orbital Configuration

Launch and Mission Initiation 🚀

📅 Launch Details

⏳ Planned vs. Actual Duration

Operational Status and Decommissioning ⚠️

📉 Mission Challenges

⚰️ End of Service

Significance and Impact 💡

🌐 Regional Connectivity and Media

Related Projects 🔗

🚀 Other Venezuelan and Regional Satellites

External Resources 🌐

➡️ Official Information

References 📚

📜 Source Citations

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

Identity and Naming

Technical Specifications

Orbital Parameters

Detailed Specifications

Physical and Power Characteristics

Communication Payload

Orbital Configuration

Launch and Mission Initiation

Launch Details

Planned vs. Actual Duration

Operational Status and Decommissioning

Mission Challenges

End of Service

Significance and Impact

Regional Connectivity and Media

Related Projects

Other Venezuelan and Regional Satellites

External Resources

Official Information

References

Source Citations

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice