Odin (satellite)

For the satellite weapon in the novels of Philip Reeve, see Mortal Engines Quartet § ODIN.
Odin
Mission type Aeronomy, Astrophysics
Operator OHB Sweden, former part of SSC
Funded by SNSB, TEKES, CSA, CNES
COSPAR ID 2001-007A
SATCAT № 26702
Website www.snsb.se/en/Home/Space-Activities-in-Sweden/Satellites/Odin/
Spacecraft properties
Manufacturer Swedish Space Corporation
Dry mass 250 kg (550 lb)
Power 340.0 watts
Start of mission
Launch date 20 February 2001, 08:48:27 (2001-02-20UTC08:48:27Z) UTC
Rocket Start-1
Launch site Svobodny 5
Contractor United Start
Orbital parameters
Reference system Geocentric
Regime Low Earth
Perigee 622 km (386 mi)
Apogee 622 km (386 mi)
Inclination 97.83°
Period 97.60 minutes

Odin is a Swedish satellite working in two disciplines: astrophysics and aeronomy, and it was named after Odin of Norse mythology. Within the field of astrophysics, Odin was used until the spring of 2007 aiding in the study of star formation. Odin is still used for aeronomical observations, including exploration of the depletion of the ozone layer and effects of global warming. In February 2016 it celebrated 15 years in Earth orbit, and was still functioning nominally.[1][2]

The main instrument on Odin is a radiometer using a 1.1 m telescope, designed to be used for both the astronomy and aeronomy missions. The radiometer works at 486–580 GHz and at 119 GHz. The second instrument on board is the OSIRIS (Optical Spectrograph and InfraRed Imager System).[3]

Odin was developed by the Space Systems Division of Swedish Space Corporation (now OHB Sweden) as part of an international project involving the space agencies of Sweden (SNSB), Finland (TEKES), Canada (CSA) and France (CNES). Odin was launched on a START-1 rocket on February 20, 2001 from Svobodny, Russia.[4]

In April 2007, astronomers announced that Odin had made the first ever detection of molecular oxygen (O
2
) in interstellar clouds.[5][6] The spacecraft was still functioning nominally in 2010.[7] It continued to function and as of February 20, 2016, was still functioning nominally.[8]

See also

References


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