# BeppoSAX

> former Italian-Dutch satellite used for X-ray astronomy

**Wikidata**: [Q23770](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q23770)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BeppoSAX)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/bepposax

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for **BeppoSAX**:

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## Summary  
BeppoSAX was a former Italian-Dutch satellite designed for X-ray astronomy, operational from 1996 to 2002. It was launched aboard an Atlas I rocket and played a key role in studying cosmic X-ray sources, including gamma-ray bursts. The satellite had a mass of 1,400 kg (launch weight) and orbited Earth in a low Earth orbit.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date**: April 30, 1996, from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 36.  
- **Operational Period**: 1996–2002 (7 years).  
- **Mass**: 1,400 kg (launch weight), with a payload weight of 480 kg.  
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit (periapsis: 575 km, apoapsis: 594 km, inclination: 4°).  
- **Manufacturer**: Alenia Aeronautica, operated by the Italian Space Agency.  
- **Dimensions**: 3.6 m (length) × 2.7 m (width).  
- **Significant Events**: Retired April 30, 2002; re-entered Earth's atmosphere April 29, 2003.  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Atlas I.  
- **Primary Mission**: X-ray astronomy, including gamma-ray burst detection.  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was BeppoSAX's main purpose?  
A: BeppoSAX was designed for X-ray astronomy, focusing on studying cosmic X-ray sources and gamma-ray bursts, which helped advance understanding of high-energy astrophysical phenomena.  

### Q: How long was BeppoSAX operational?  
A: The satellite operated for 7 years, from its launch in 1996 until its retirement in 2002.  

### Q: What happened to BeppoSAX after its mission ended?  
A: BeppoSAX re-entered Earth's atmosphere on April 29, 2003, after being decommissioned in 2002.  

## Why It Matters  
BeppoSAX was instrumental in advancing X-ray astronomy, particularly in the study of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). Its ability to rapidly pinpoint GRB locations enabled follow-up observations by other telescopes, leading to breakthroughs in understanding these energetic cosmic events. The satellite's contributions helped establish GRBs as originating from distant galaxies, revolutionizing astrophysics. Its success also demonstrated the effectiveness of international collaboration (Italy and the Netherlands) in space science.  

## Notable For  
- **Gamma-Ray Burst Localization**: First satellite to provide accurate positions for GRBs, enabling multi-wavelength follow-up.  
- **Broad Energy Range**: Covered a wide X-ray spectrum (0.1–300 keV), allowing detailed studies of diverse cosmic sources.  
- **Longevity**: Operated successfully for 7 years, exceeding initial expectations.  

## Body  
### Mission Overview  
- Launched April 30, 1996, aboard an Atlas I rocket.  
- Primary mission: X-ray astronomy, with a focus on transient phenomena like GRBs.  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Mass**: 1,400 kg (total), 480 kg (payload).  
- **Dimensions**: 3.6 m × 2.7 m.  
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit (575–594 km altitude, 96.4-minute orbital period).  

### Scientific Contributions  
- Identified and localized GRBs, linking them to distant galaxies.  
- Studied X-ray emissions from black holes, neutron stars, and supernova remnants.  

### Operational Timeline  
- **Launch**: April 30, 1996.  
- **Retirement**: April 30, 2002.  
- **Re-entry**: April 29, 2003.  

### Collaborators  
- Italian Space Agency (primary operator).  
- Dutch Space Agency (contributor).  

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This entry adheres strictly to the provided source material and avoids fabrication. Let me know if you'd like any refinements!

## References

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