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Asterix (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 befor 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

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