HGS-1
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HGS-1, formerly known as AsiaSat 3, is a geosynchronous communications satellite. It is notable in that it was salvaged from an unusable geosynchronous transfer orbit by means of the Moon's gravity.
AsiaSat 3 was launched by AsiaSat Ltd of Hong Kong to provide communications and television services in Asia by a Proton booster on 24 December 1997, destined for an orbit slot at 105.5° E. However, a failure of the Blok DM3 fourth stage left it stranded in a highly inclined and elliptical orbit, although still fully functional. It was declared a total loss by its insurers. The satellite was transferred to Hughes Global Services, Inc., with an agreement to share any profits with the insurers.
Using on-board propellant and lunar gravity, the orbit's apogee was gradually increased until it flew by the Moon at a distance of 6200 km from its surface in May 1998, becoming in a sense the first commercial lunar spacecraft. Another lunar fly-by was performed later that month at a distance of 34300 km to further improve the orbital inclination.
These operations consumed most of the satellite's propellant. The satellite was then manoeuvred to geosynchronous orbit at 150–154° W. In 1999, HGS-1 was acquired by PanAmSat, renamed to PAS 22, and moved to 60° W.
