GALEX

Galaxy Evolution Explorer
GALEX spacecraft
NamesExplorer-83
SMEX-7
Mission typeUltraviolet astronomy
OperatorNASA / JPL (2003-2012)
Caltech (2012-2013)
COSPAR ID2003-017A Edit this at Wikidata
SATCAT no.27783
Websitehttps://www.galex.caltech.edu/
Mission duration29 months (planned) [1]
10 years, 2 months (achieved) [2][3]
Spacecraft properties
SpacecraftExplorer LXXXIII
Spacecraft typeGalaxy Evolution Explorer
BusOrbview 4
ManufacturerOrbital Sciences Corporation
Launch mass280 kg (620 lb)
Dimensions1 × 2.5 m (3 ft 3 in × 8 ft 2 in)
Power290 watts
Start of mission
Launch date28 April 2003, 11:59:57 UTC[1]
RocketPegasus XL (F33)
Launch siteCape Canaveral, Stargazer
ContractorOrbital Sciences Corporation
Entered service28 May 2003 [2]
End of mission
Deactivated28 June 2013, 19:09 UTC [3]
Last contact28 June 2013
Decay date2068 (planned)
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric orbit[4]
RegimeLow Earth orbit
Perigee altitude691 km (429 mi)
Apogee altitude697 km (433 mi)
Inclination29.00°
Period98.60 minutes
Revolution no.85423
Main telescope
TypeRitchey–Chrétien[1]
Diameter50 cm (20 in)
Focal lengthf/6.0
Wavelengths135–280 nm (Ultraviolet)
Instruments
Ultraviolet telescope
Explorer program
← CHIPS (Explorer 82)

Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX or Explorer 83 or SMEX-7) was a NASA orbiting space telescope designed to observe the universe in ultraviolet wavelengths to measure the history of star formation in the universe. In addition to paving the way for future ultraviolet missions, the space telescope allowed astronomers to uncover mysteries about the early universe and how it evolved, as well as better characterize phenomena like black holes and dark matter. The mission was extended three times over a period of 10 years before it was decommissioned in June 2013. GALEX was launched on 28 April 2003 and decommissioned in June 2013.[1]

  1. ^ a b c d "Display: GALEX (Explorer 83) 2003-017A". NASA. 28 October 2021. Retrieved 3 December 2021. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  2. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference JPL was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference Decommission was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference Trajectory was invoked but never defined (see the help page).