ASC 1

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ASC 1
Organization GTE/GTE Spacenet (United States)
Mission type Communications
Launch date August 29, 1985 (1985-08-29)
Launch vehicle STS-51I
Carrier rocket Space Shuttle
Launch site Cape Canaveral, United States
COSPAR ID 1985-076C
Mass 1271.0 kg
Alternate Names 15994
Additional Information Here
PDMP Information Here
Telecommunications Information Here


This spacecraft, built by RCA, was American Satellite Company's first dedicated spacecraft. It was used to continue the company's business communications services, operating at frequencies in both Ku-band and C-band. This was the first U.S. commercial communications satellite to use encrypted command links to prevent potential hostile interference. The spacecraft and its payload assist module (PAM) were spun up and ejected from the payload bay. Operating position for the satellite is at 81 degrees W longitude.