Astérix (satellite)
| Company type | Satellite |
|---|---|
| Industry | Spaceflight |
| Founded | November 26, 1965 |
| Founder | CNES, CNET |
| Headquarters | France |
| Products | Ionospheric research satellite |
Astérix, also known as A-1 and initially referred to as FR.2 or FR-2, represents France's inaugural satellite, which was launched on 26 November 1965 via a Diamant A rocket from the Hammaguir launch site in Algeria. This achievement positioned France as the sixth nation to deploy an artificial satellite into orbit and the third to do so using a domestically developed launch vehicle. The satellite’s chief purpose was to validate the performance of the Diamant launcher, alongside secondary objectives involving ionospheric research. As of 2023, Astérix continues to orbit Earth and is projected to remain aloft for many centuries.
Background
From 1963 onward, French space organizations CNES and CNET collaborated on the development of Astérix together with FR-1. The FR series was initially conceived as a set of six satellites, each designed to explore different atmospheric phenomena. Both FR-1 and Astérix (then identified as FR-2) concentrated on studying the ionosphere. Plans for later satellites in the series included investigations into hydrogen distribution in the upper atmosphere and analyses of magnetic impulses.
Although originally intended for launch in early 1965, Astérix was deployed ahead of FR-1 due to strategic decisions by Charles de Gaulle and CNES. This move aimed to establish France as the third space power capable of independently launching a satellite, symbolizing French technological strength during the Cold War period.
Spacecraft design
The swift creation of Astérix and FR-1 drew upon post-World War II expertise from former German rocket engineers, France’s independent advancements in intermediate-range ballistic missile technology—exemplified by the Saphir rocket—and cooperative efforts with international entities including NASA, CERN, and ESRO.
The satellite measured approximately 55 centimeters in both diameter and height, encased in fiberglass adorned with black stripes to enhance passive solar heating. Its instrumentation comprised accelerometers for detecting motion, a radio beacon, a radar transponder, a thermometer, and telemetry transmitters intended to provide positional information. Whether it successfully conducted ionospheric measurements remains unclear.
Initially labeled A-1 as the French Army’s first satellite, it later acquired popular recognition under the name inspired by the comic book character Astérix. Alternative names considered during development included Zébulon and Zebby.
Specifications
- Mass:
- Perigee altitude:
- Apogee altitude:
- Orbital inclination: 34.3 degrees
- Orbital period: 107.5 minutes
Mission and results
Prior to orbital attempts, two suborbital test flights were conducted in May and June 1965 using Rubis rockets launched from Hammaguir. The successful orbital insertion on 26 November 1965 employed a 21-meter-tall Diamant A rocket powered by turpentine and nitric acid propellants.
Approximately ten minutes after liftoff, the payload fairing separated but unfortunately caused damage to the satellite’s telemetry systems. Reports vary regarding how long transmissions continued—from immediate cessation up to 111 days—although American radar tracking confirmed that the satellite achieved stable orbit.
Legacy and status
By launching Astérix, France joined an elite group alongside the USSR, USA, UK, Canada, and Italy possessing artificial satellites in orbit. It became the third country after the USSR and USA to deploy a satellite using its own launcher; previously launched European satellites had depended on American rockets.
As of 2024, Astérix remains in a high-altitude orbit that will prevent atmospheric re-entry for several centuries.
Original prototypes are exhibited at Paris’s Musée de l'air et de l'espace, while replicas are displayed at Toulouse’s Cité de l'espace.