Talk:Astérix (satellite)
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[edit] Inconsistency with Entry Elsewhere
Should the article state that, with the launch of the Asterix, France was the third, rather than the fourth, country to launch a satellite? An inconsistency in this regard lies with the article found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_first_orbital_launches_by_nationality . The question is whether Canada's launch of its satellite, the Alouette, aboard a NASA rocket in September, 1962 makes it the third country to loft a satellite. The better view may be seen from the premise that a satellite capability implies the ability to independently boost a satellite to orbit because the mere ability to design and manufacture a satellite is insufficient for the purpose for which the satellite is designed unless and until it actually achieves orbit. Thus seen, the launch of the Alouette via an American vehicle constitutes a binational (Canada-U.S.) rather than sole national effort, and, accordingly, the launch of the Asterix makes France the third, not the fourth, nation to develop a satellite. If a consensus on this score is reached, this article should be edited accordingly.
See also an official characterization concerning the international nature of the Alouette program: "The Alouette-ISIS program was a joint undertaking between Canada and the United States. Canada provided the Alouette and ISIS spacecraft, data acquisition, and satellite control. The USA provided the launch capability, tracking, and data acquisition. Satellite instruments and data processing support were provided by both countries. The USA also provided the Explorer 20 and Explorer 31 spacecraft that are considered part of the Alouette-ISIS program and are included in this summary. During the course of the program these countries contributed telemetry support and collaborative data analysis: Australia, Finland, France, India, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom." (From a public domain (NASA) article found at: http://www.ieee.ca/millennium/alouette/alouette_nssdcintro04.html )
