Definition
Túpac Katari 1 is a Bolivian geostationary communications satellite launched in 2014. It was the first satellite owned and operated by Bolivia, intended to provide telecommunications, broadcasting, and internet services throughout the country and the broader region of South America.
Overview
The satellite was manufactured in China under a contract between the Bolivian government and the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST). It was launched on 2 December 2014 aboard a Long March 2C launch vehicle from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in the People’s Republic of China. Upon reaching orbit, Túpac Katari 1 was positioned at 115.5° west longitude in geostationary orbit, allowing continuous coverage of Bolivia and neighboring territories. The mission is managed by the Bolivian Space Agency (Agencia Boliviana Espacial, ABE) and supports a range of services, including television broadcasting, radio relays, governmental communications, and broadband internet access for remote areas.
Etymology / Origin
The satellite is named after Túpac Katari (c. 1750 – 1781), an Aymara leader who led an indigenous uprising against Spanish colonial rule in the region that is now Bolivia. The naming reflects the Bolivian government’s intention to symbolically associate the nation’s technological advancement with its historical heritage.
Characteristics
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) |
| Launch vehicle | Long March 2C |
| Launch site | Xichang Satellite Launch Center, China |
| Launch date | 2 December 2014 (UTC) |
| Orbital position | Geostationary orbit at 115.5° west longitude |
| Spacecraft bus | DFH‑4 platform (Chinese communications satellite bus) |
| Launch mass | Approximately 3 000 kg |
| Design life | 15 years |
| Power generation | Around 5 kW from solar arrays |
| Payload | C‑band and Ku‑band transponders for telecommunications, broadcasting, and data services |
| Operator | Agencia Boliviana Espacial (Bolivian Space Agency) |
Related Topics
- Túpac Katari (historical figure) – 18th‑century Aymara leader after whom the satellite is named.
- Bolivian Space Agency (Agencia Boliviana Espacial, ABE) – Government body responsible for Bolivia’s space activities and the satellite’s operation.
- Communications satellites – Category of satellites that provide telephony, television, and data transmission services.
- China–Bolivia space cooperation – Bilateral agreements that facilitated the design, construction, and launch of Túpac Katari 1.
- Geostationary orbit (GEO) – Orbital regime in which satellites appear stationary relative to an observer on Earth, commonly used for communications platforms.