&sq=Facebook&lang=en&file=File:Glory_spacecraft_model.png) Artist's impression of Glory | |
| Mission type | Climate research |
|---|---|
| Operator | NASA / GSFC |
| Website | www |
| Mission duration | Failed to orbit 3 years (planned) |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Launch mass | 545 kilograms (1,202 lb) |
| Power | 400 watts |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 4 March 2011, 10:09:43 UTC |
| Rocket | Taurus XL 3110 (T9) |
| Launch site | Vandenberg, LC-576E |
| Contractor | Orbital Sciences |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric |
| Regime | Low Earth |
| Epoch | Planned |
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The Glory satellite was a 2011 failed NASA satellite mission that was to have collected data on the chemical, micro-physical and optical properties—and the spatial and temporal distributions—of sulfate and other aerosols, and also collect solar irradiance data for the long-term climate record. The science focus areas served by Glory included: atmospheric composition; carbon cycle, ecosystems, and biogeochemistry; climate variability and change; and water and energy cycles.[1] The US$424 million satellite was lost on 4 March 2011, when its Taurus XL carrier rocket malfunctioned.[2] A subsequent investigation revealed that the fairing system failed to open fully, causing the satellite to reenter the atmosphere at which point it likely broke up and burned.[3] NASA investigators later determined the cause for the launch failure to be faulty materials provided by aluminum manufacturer Sapa Profiles.[4]
- ^ Smith, Yvette (February 4, 2008). "NASA FY 2009 Budget Request" (PDF). NASA. pp. Sci-29. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 15, 2019. Retrieved June 29, 2009.
- ^ Roosevelt, Margot (March 9, 2011). "Loss of satellite is 'serious setback' for Earth climate research". Los Angeles Times.
- ^ Buck, Joshua (February 19, 2013). "NASA Releases Glory Taurus XL Launch Failure Report Summary Archived 2019-05-02 at the Wayback Machine". NASA. Retrieved March 16, 2014.
- ^ Potter, Sean (30 April 2019). "NASA Investigation Uncovers Cause of Science Mission Launch Failures". NASA (Press release).