# Ariel 5

> astronomical research satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q659360](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q659360)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ariel_5)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ariel-5

## Summary
Ariel 5 was an astronomical research satellite launched in 1974 as part of the UK's Ariel programme. It was designed to study cosmic X-ray sources and operated until its atmospheric re-entry in 1980.

## Key Facts
- Launched on **15 October 1974** from the **Broglio Space Centre** using a **Scout B rocket**.
- Operated by the **Science and Engineering Research Council** and **NASA**.
- Mass at takeoff: **130.5 kg**.
- Orbital parameters: **apoapsis 557 km**, **periapsis 512 km**, **orbital period 95.3 minutes**, **inclination 2.9 degrees**.
- Followed **Ariel 4** (atmospheric research satellite) and preceded **Ariel 6** (another astronomical research satellite).
- Decayed from orbit on **14 March 1980**.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Ariel 5?
A: Ariel 5 was an astronomical research satellite focused on studying cosmic X-ray sources.

### Q: When was Ariel 5 launched and deorbited?
A: It was launched on **15 October 1974** and re-entered Earth's atmosphere on **14 March 1980**.

### Q: Who operated Ariel 5?
A: The satellite was operated by the **Science and Engineering Research Council** (UK) and **NASA**.

### Q: What rocket launched Ariel 5?
A: It was launched using a **Scout B rocket** from the **Broglio Space Centre**.

### Q: What were Ariel 5's orbital characteristics?
A: It had an **apoapsis of 557 km**, **periapsis of 512 km**, and an **orbital period of 95.3 minutes**.

## Why It Matters
Ariel 5 played a significant role in early X-ray astronomy, contributing to the understanding of cosmic X-ray sources. As part of the UK's Ariel programme, it demonstrated international collaboration in space research, particularly between the UK and NASA. Its observations helped advance astronomical knowledge during the 1970s, a formative period for space-based astronomy. The satellite's data complemented ground-based observations, providing insights into high-energy astrophysical phenomena.

## Notable For
- Being the **fifth satellite in the UK's Ariel programme**, dedicated to astronomical research.
- Its **collaborative operation** between the UK's Science and Engineering Research Council and NASA.
- Conducting **X-ray astronomy observations**, contributing to early studies of cosmic X-ray sources.
- Having a **relatively low orbital inclination (2.9 degrees)**, optimizing its observational capabilities.
- Being manufactured by **Marconi Electronic Systems**, a key player in UK aerospace technology.

## Body
### Overview
Ariel 5 was an **artificial satellite** classified as an **astronomical research satellite**. It was part of the **Ariel programme**, a series of UK-led space missions focused on scientific research.

### Launch and Orbit
- **Launch Date**: 15 October 1974
- **Launch Site**: Broglio Space Centre (San Marco platform, Kenya)
- **Launch Vehicle**: Scout B rocket (model S187C)
- **Orbital Parameters**:
  - **Apoapsis**: 557 km
  - **Periapsis**: 512 km
  - **Orbital Period**: 95.3 minutes
  - **Inclination**: 2.9 degrees
  - **Eccentricity**: 0.00325

### Mission and Operations
- **Operator**: Science and Engineering Research Council (UK) and NASA
- **Manufacturer**: Marconi Electronic Systems
- **Mass**: 130.5 kg at takeoff
- **Mission Duration**: From launch (1974) until atmospheric re-entry (1980)

### Scientific Contributions
Ariel 5 was equipped to study **cosmic X-ray sources**, providing data that contributed to early X-ray astronomy. Its observations helped scientists better understand high-energy astrophysical processes.

### End of Mission
- **Decay Date**: 14 March 1980 (atmospheric re-entry)

### Related Missions
- **Predecessor**: Ariel 4 (atmospheric research satellite)
- **Successor**: Ariel 6 (another astronomical research satellite)

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Ariel 5",
  "description": "Astronomical research satellite launched in 1974 as part of the UK's Ariel programme.",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4790342",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ariel_5"
  ],
  "additionalType": "ArtificialSatellite"
}

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1974-077A)