# Ariel 4

> atmospheric research satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q795123](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q795123)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ariel_4)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ariel-4

## Summary
Ariel 4 was an atmospheric research satellite launched in 1971 as part of the UK's Ariel programme. It was designed to study Earth's upper atmosphere and ionosphere, contributing to scientific understanding of atmospheric physics.

## Key Facts
- Launched on **December 11, 1971**, from **Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 5** using a **Scout B rocket**.
- Operated by the **Science and Engineering Research Council** (UK) and **NASA**.
- Mass: **99.5 kg**.
- Part of the **Ariel programme**, succeeding **Ariel 3** and preceding **Ariel 5**.
- Re-entered Earth's atmosphere on **December 12, 1978**.
- Manufacturer: **British Aircraft Corporation**.
- COSPAR ID: **1971-109A**, NSSDCA ID: **1971-109A**.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Ariel 4?
A: Ariel 4 was an atmospheric research satellite designed to study Earth's upper atmosphere and ionosphere, gathering data on atmospheric physics.

### Q: When was Ariel 4 launched and deorbited?
A: It was launched on **December 11, 1971**, and re-entered Earth's atmosphere on **December 12, 1978**.

### Q: Who operated Ariel 4?
A: The satellite was operated jointly by the **Science and Engineering Research Council (UK)** and **NASA**.

### Q: What rocket launched Ariel 4?
A: It was launched using a **Scout B rocket** from **Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 5**.

### Q: What was the mass of Ariel 4?
A: The satellite had a mass of **99.5 kilograms**.

## Why It Matters
Ariel 4 played a crucial role in advancing atmospheric science by providing data on Earth's upper atmosphere and ionosphere. As part of the UK's Ariel programme, it demonstrated international collaboration in space research, particularly between the UK and the US. Its findings contributed to a better understanding of atmospheric dynamics, which is essential for communications, weather modeling, and space weather predictions. The mission also showcased the UK's growing capabilities in satellite technology during the early 1970s, paving the way for future scientific satellites.

## Notable For
- Being the **fourth satellite in the UK's Ariel programme**, focused on atmospheric research.
- One of the earliest examples of **UK-US collaboration in space science**.
- Conducting **ionospheric and upper atmospheric studies**, aiding in scientific research.
- Launched using a **Scout B rocket**, a lightweight launch vehicle of its time.
- Operated for **nearly seven years** before re-entering Earth's atmosphere.

## Body
### Overview
Ariel 4 was an **atmospheric research satellite** developed under the **Ariel programme**, a series of UK-led scientific satellites. It was designed to investigate Earth's upper atmosphere and ionosphere, providing valuable data for atmospheric physics.

### Launch and Orbit
- **Launch Date**: December 11, 1971
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 5
- **Launch Vehicle**: Scout B (model S183C)
- **Orbit Decay**: December 12, 1978

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 99.5 kg
- **Manufacturer**: British Aircraft Corporation
- **Operators**: Science and Engineering Research Council (UK), NASA

### Mission and Objectives
Ariel 4 was part of a series of satellites aimed at studying Earth's atmosphere. Its primary mission was to collect data on the ionosphere and upper atmospheric layers, contributing to scientific research in atmospheric dynamics.

### Legacy
As part of the Ariel programme, Ariel 4 helped establish the UK as a key player in space research. Its findings were used in various scientific studies, and its success led to further collaborations in space exploration.

## Schema Markup
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  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Ariel 4",
  "description": "Atmospheric research satellite launched in 1971 as part of the UK's Ariel programme.",
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## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1971-109A)