_logo.png){kind=logo} COSMIC | |
| Names | FORMOSAT-3 |
|---|---|
| Mission type | Meteorology, Ionosphere, Climatology, and Space weather research |
| COSPAR ID | 2006-011A, 2006-011B, 2006-011C, 2006-011D, 2006-011E, 2006-011F, |
| SATCAT no. | 29047, 29048, 29049, 29050, 29051, 29052 |
| Website | www.nspo.narl.org.tw |
| Mission duration | Final: 14 years, 15 days |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Manufacturer | Orbital Sciences Corporation |
| Launch mass | 6 × 155 lb (70 kg) |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 15 April 2006, 01:40 UTC |
| Rocket | Minotaur I Flight 5 |
| Launch site | Vandenberg SLC-8 |
| Contractor | Orbital Sciences |
| End of mission | |
| Disposal | decommissioned |
| Deactivated | 1 May 2020 |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric |
| Eccentricity | 0 |
| Perigee altitude | 500 km (310 mi) |
| Apogee altitude | 500 km (310 mi) |
| Inclination | 72° |
Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate (COSMIC) is a program designed to provide advances in meteorology, ionospheric research, climatology, and space weather by using GPS satellites in conjunction with low Earth orbiting (LEO) satellites. The term "COSMIC" may refer to either the organization itself or the constellation of 6 satellites (also known as COSMIC-1 and as FORMOSAT-3, 福爾摩沙衛星三號, in Taiwan). The constellation is a joint U.S.-Taiwanese project with major participants including the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR), the National Science Foundation, the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), SRI International on the U.S. side and the National Space Organization (NSPO) on the Taiwanese side.
The total cost of the spacecraft and launch was US$100 million, 80% of which was being provided by NSPO, and the remainder by various U.S. agencies.[1]
After experiencing several delays, the launch of the COSMIC satellite constellation atop a Minotaur launch vehicle from Vandenberg AFB occurred at 01:40 GMT, on 15 April 2006, despite heavy fog.[2] The satellites, which orbit at an altitude of 500 miles, required over a year to move into the correct positions to provide full global coverage.
A follow-up constellation, COSMIC-2, launched 25 June 2019 on a Falcon Heavy rocket.
- ^ "COSMIC: About". UCAR COSMIC. Archived from the original on 16 July 2013. Retrieved 18 April 2006.
- ^ Ray, Justin (14 April 2006). "Launch Coverage for Minotaur Rocket' COSMIC Mission". Spaceflight Now. Archived from the original on 15 April 2006.