# Astronomical Netherland Satellite

> Dutch space-based X-ray and ultraviolet telescope

**Wikidata**: [Q22674](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q22674)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astronomical_Netherlands_Satellite)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/astronomical-netherland-satellite

## Summary
The Astronomical Netherlands Satellite (ANS) was the first Dutch satellite, launched in 1974 as a space-based X-ray and ultraviolet telescope. It was operated by the Space Research Organisation Netherlands and made significant contributions to X-ray and ultraviolet astronomy during its mission.

## Key Facts
- Official name: Astronomical Netherlands Satellite (ANS)
- Launch date: 1974-08-30
- Launch location: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 5
- Launch vehicle: Scout D-1
- Operator: Space Research Organisation Netherlands
- COSPAR ID: 1974-070A
- NSSDCA ID: 1974-070A
- Satellite catalog number (SCN): 07427
- Instrument classification: space telescope
- Available image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/ANS_backup_flightarticle.jpg
- Sitelink count: 22 (across multiple language Wikipedias)

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of the Astronomical Netherlands Satellite?
A: ANS was designed as a space-based X-ray and ultraviolet telescope to observe distant space objects. Its instruments could detect radiation that is filtered out by Earth's atmosphere, allowing for observations not possible from the ground.

### Q: When and where was ANS launched?
A: ANS was launched on August 30, 1974, from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 5 using an American Scout D-1 launch vehicle. This marked the Netherlands' entry into space exploration with its first satellite.

### Q: Which organization operated ANS?
A: ANS was operated by the Space Research Organisation Netherlands, the national institute for space research in the Netherlands. This organization was established in Leiden in 1983.

### Q: What scientific contributions did ANS make?
A: ANS contributed to X-ray and ultraviolet astronomy by mapping sources in the Milky Way galaxy and providing data on stellar emissions. It helped identify new X-ray sources and expanded our understanding of celestial objects in wavelengths invisible from Earth.

## Why It Matters
The Astronomical Netherlands Satellite holds historical significance as the first Dutch satellite, marking the Netherlands' entry into space exploration. As one of the early dedicated astronomy satellites, it demonstrated the scientific value of space-based telescopes and pioneered X-ray astronomy in Europe. By operating in the ultraviolet and X-ray spectrums, ANS could observe phenomena invisible from Earth's surface, expanding our understanding of stellar processes, galactic structures, and cosmic radiation sources. Its mission laid groundwork for more advanced Dutch space missions and contributed to the growing global network of space observatories that transformed our view of the universe.

## Notable For
- First satellite launched by the Netherlands
- Pioneering Dutch X-ray and ultraviolet astronomy mission
- Early example of a dedicated astronomy satellite (not primarily for communication or other purposes)
- One of the first space telescopes designed for non-visible wavelength observations
- Significant contributor to mapping X-ray sources in the Milky Way galaxy

## Body
### Overview
The Astronomical Netherlands Satellite (ANS) was the first satellite launched by the Netherlands, designed as a space-based instrument for X-ray and ultraviolet astronomy. It established the Netherlands as a participant in space research and demonstrated the scientific value of dedicated space telescopes.

### Mission Details
- Launch date: 1974-08-30
- Launch location: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 5
- Launch vehicle: Scout D-1
- COSPAR ID: 1974-070A
- NSSDCA ID: 1974-070A
- Satellite catalog number (SCN): 07427
- Freebase ID: /m/03xnblf
- Wolfram Language Entity Code: Entity["Satellite", "07427"]

### Operational Information
- Operator: Space Research Organisation Netherlands
- Headquarters: Leiden, Netherlands
- Founded: 1983 (Space Research Organisation Netherlands)
- Employees: 200
- Wikipedia available in languages: ar, commons, cs, de, en, es, eu, fa, fr, gl
- Commons category: Astronomische Nederlandse Satelliet

### Scientific Equipment
- Instrument type: space telescope
- Capabilities: X-ray and ultraviolet detection
- Purpose: Observing distant space objects in wavelengths filtered by Earth's atmosphere

### Documentation and References
- Image available: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/ANS_backup_flightarticle.jpg
- Wikipedia title: Astronomical Netherlands Satellite
- Sitelink count: 22
- Related entities: space telescope, Scout D-1 launch vehicle

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013