# Astro-rivelatore Gamma a Immagini Leggero

> former gamma-ray astronomy satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q14951](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q14951)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AGILE_(satellite))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/astro-rivelatore-gamma-a-immagini-leggero

## Summary
Astro-rivelatore Gamma a Immagini Leggero (AGILE) was a space telescope dedicated to gamma-ray astronomy. It was a scientific satellite operated by the Italian Space Agency. The spacecraft re-entered Earth's atmosphere in February 2024 after 16.7 years of service.

## Key Facts
- **Instance of:** Space telescope, former entity
- **Field of work:** Gamma-ray astronomy
- **Operator:** Italian Space Agency
- **Country of origin:** Italy
- **Manufacturer:** Carlo Gavazzi Space
- **Launch date:** 23 April 2007
- **Launch site:** Satish Dhawan Space Centre Second Launch Pad
- **Launch vehicle:** Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-CA (PSLV-C8)
- **Launch mass:** 352 kilograms
- **Spacecraft bus:** MITA
- **Power system:** Spacecraft solar array
- **Orbit:** Low Earth orbit
- **Service life:** 2 years (design life); 16.7 years (actual service life)
- **Retirement date:** 18 January 2024
- **Atmospheric entry:** 14 February 2024
- **Principal investigator:** Marco Tavani
- **Co-principal investigator:** Guido Barbiellini
- **COSPAR ID:** 2007-013A
- **Website:** http://agile.rm.iasf.cnr.it/ (maintained by the Institute of Space Astrophysics and Cosmic Physics in Palermo)
- **Aliases:** AGILE, أجيل

## FAQs
### Q: When was the AGILE satellite launched and by what means?
A: AGILE was launched on 23 April 2007. It was sent into orbit using a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-CA (specifically the PSLV-C8 flight) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre Second Launch Pad.

### Q: Who built and operated the AGILE satellite?
A: The satellite was manufactured by Carlo Gavazzi Space. It was operated by the Italian Space Agency.

### Q: When did AGILE stop operating?
A: AGILE officially ended its service on 18 January 2024, and subsequently re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 14 February 2024, marking the end of its 16.7-year operational life.

## Why It Matters
AGILE was a significant mission for Italian and international astrophysics. As a dedicated gamma-ray astronomy satellite, it contributed to the study of high-energy phenomena in the universe. Its longevity far exceeded its 2-year design life, operating for nearly 17 years. This long operational period provided a wealth of data on gamma-ray sources. The mission demonstrated Italy's capability in building and operating complex space-based scientific instruments, being the first Italian satellite dedicated to gamma-ray astronomy.

## Notable For
- Being a former gamma-ray astronomy satellite.
- Exceeding its 2-year design life by over 14 years, operating for 16.7 years.
- Being manufactured by the Italian company Carlo Gavazzi Space and operated by the Italian Space Agency.
- Launching on an Indian Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).
- Contributing to gamma-ray astronomy for nearly two decades before its retirement and atmospheric entry in 2024.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Astro-rivelatore Gamma a Immagini Leggero, commonly known by its acronym AGILE, was a space telescope designed for gamma-ray astronomy. The project originated in Italy, with the Italian Space Agency (ASI) serving as the operator. The satellite's field of work focused exclusively on observing celestial gamma-ray sources.

### Development and Construction
The contract for the satellite's construction was signed in 2002. The manufacturing was undertaken by Carlo Gavazzi Space. The satellite utilized the MITA spacecraft bus and was powered by a solar array. At launch, AGILE had a mass of 352 kilograms.

### Launch and Orbit
AGILE was launched on 23 April 2007 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre Second Launch Pad. The launch was conducted using a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-CA, specifically the PSLV-C8 configuration. The satellite was placed into a low Earth orbit. Its identifiers include the COSPAR ID 2007-013A and the NSSDCA ID 2007-013A.

### Operations and Conclusion
The scientific mission was led by Principal Investigator Marco Tavani, with Guido Barbiellini serving as Co-Principal Investigator. While the satellite had a design life of 2 years, it remained operational for 16.7 years. The satellite was officially retired from service on 18 January 2024. Following its retirement, AGILE underwent uncontrolled atmospheric entry on 14 February 2024.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/agile.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://www.astronomerstelegram.org/?read=16450)
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. [Source](https://www.ohb.de/fileadmin/ohb/Presentations/2009/CC_OHB_CGS_090811.pdf)
6. [Source](http://agile.rm.iasf.cnr.it/investigator.html)