''INTASAT'' (COSPAR 1974-089C, SATCAT 07531) was the first

satellite A satellite or artificial satellite is an object intentionally placed into orbit in outer space. Except for passive satellites, most satellites have an electricity generation system for equipment on board, such as solar panels or radioiso ...

of Spain. It was designed by Spain's National Institute of Aerospace Technology (INTA). ''INTASAT'' was launched on November 15, 1974, atop a

NASA The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA ) is an independent agency of the US federal government responsible for the civil space program, aeronautics research, and space research. NASA was established in 1958, succeedi ...

Delta rocket Delta is an American versatile family of expendable launch systems that has provided space launch capability in the United States since 1960. Japan also launched license-built derivatives ( N-I, N-II, and H-I) from 1975 to 1992. More than 300 ...

from

Vandenberg Air Force Base Vandenberg may refer to: * Vandenberg (surname), including a list of people with the name * USNS ''General Hoyt S. Vandenberg'' (T-AGM-10), transport ship in the United States Navy, sank as an artificial reef in Key West, Florida * Vandenberg Sp ...

. With a mass of 20.4 kg, it was launched piggyback with another satellite ( ITOS-G). It had a lifespan of two years, and carried a beacon experiment to study the ionosphere.

Background

The project started in 1968 from an initiative of the National Institute for Aerospace Technology. The participants in the project, besides INTA, were Hawker Siddeley Dynamics (HSD) and Standard Electrica SA (project manager from Spain), Jose Luis Sagredo (responsible for the Beacon Experiment and Ionospheric), and Jose Maria Dorado (responsible for the other areas).

References

{{Space program of Spain Satellites of Spain 1974 in Spain Spacecraft launched in 1974

Spain , image_flag = Bandera de España.svg , image_coat = Escudo de España (mazonado).svg , national_motto = '' Plus ultra'' ( Latin)(English: "Further Beyond") , national_anthem = (English: "Royal March") , ...

INTA satellites