GALEX
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.
GALEX spacecraft | |
| Names | Explorer-83 SMEX-7 |
|---|---|
| Mission type | Ultraviolet astronomy |
| Operator | NASA / JPL (2003-2012) Caltech (2012-2013) |
| COSPAR ID | 2003-017A |
| SATCAT no. | 27783 |
| Website | https://www.galex.caltech.edu/ |
| Mission duration | 29 months (planned) 10 years, 2 months (achieved) |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Spacecraft | Explorer LXXXIII |
| Spacecraft type | Galaxy Evolution Explorer |
| Bus | Orbview 4 |
| Manufacturer | Orbital Sciences Corporation |
| Launch mass | 280 kg (620 lb) |
| Dimensions | 1 × 2.5 m (3 ft 3 in × 8 ft 2 in) |
| Power | 290 watts |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 28 April 2003, 11:59:57 UTC |
| Rocket | Pegasus XL (F33) |
| Launch site | Cape Canaveral, Stargazer |
| Contractor | Orbital Sciences Corporation |
| Entered service | 28 May 2003 |
| End of mission | |
| Deactivated | 28 June 2013, 19:09 UTC |
| Last contact | 28 June 2013 |
| Decay date | 2068 (planned) |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric orbit |
| Regime | Low Earth orbit |
| Perigee altitude | 691 km (429 mi) |
| Apogee altitude | 697 km (433 mi) |
| Inclination | 29.00° |
| Period | 98.60 minutes |
| Revolution no. | 85423 |
| Main telescope | |
| Type | Ritchey–Chrétien |
| Diameter | 50 cm (20 in) |
| Focal length | f/6.0 |
| Wavelengths | 135–280 nm (Ultraviolet) |
| Instruments | |
| Ultraviolet telescope | |
Explorer program | |
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