# CHAMP

> German geomagnetic research satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q48600](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q48600)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CHAMP_(satellite))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/champ

## Summary
CHAMP (Challenging Minisatellite Payload) was a German geomagnetic research satellite operated by the GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences. Launched on July 15, 2000, it was designed to monitor Earth's magnetosphere and related regions from a low Earth orbit for over a decade before decaying on September 19, 2010.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name:** Challenging Minisatellite Payload (CHAMP)
- **Operator:** GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences (Germany)
- **Launch Date:** July 15, 2000 (12:00:00 UTC)
- **Launch Vehicle:** Kosmos-3M (Russian rocket)
- **Launch Site:** Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132
- **Mission End:** September 19, 2010 (Atmospheric entry/decay)
- **Mass:** 522 kg (Launch weight)
- **Orbit:** Low Earth Orbit
- **COSPAR ID:** 2000-039B
- **Manufacturer:** Astrium

## FAQs
### Q: What was the primary purpose of the CHAMP satellite?
A: CHAMP was a geomagnetic satellite designed to monitor Earth's magnetosphere and related regions to contribute to geoscientific research.

### Q: How long did the CHAMP satellite remain in orbit?
A: The satellite was launched on July 15, 2000, and re-entered the atmosphere on September 19, 2010, operating for just over ten years.

### Q: Who manufactured and operated the CHAMP satellite?
A: The satellite was manufactured by Astrium and operated by the GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences, headquartered at Telegrafenberg in Germany.

## Why It Matters
CHAMP represents a significant contribution to the field of Earth observation and geosciences. Managed by the GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences, this mission provided critical data for monitoring the Earth's magnetic field and magnetosphere. By utilizing a specialized "Flexbus" spacecraft bus and a suite of scientific instruments, CHAMP enabled researchers to study geophysical dynamics from a Low Earth Orbit.

The mission's decade-long operational life—from its launch in 2000 to its decay in 2010—allowed for the collection of long-term geoscientific data. As a "Challenging Minisatellite Payload," it demonstrated the capability of smaller, focused satellite platforms to conduct high-level scientific monitoring. Its successful deployment via a Kosmos-3M rocket and sustained operation highlights international collaboration in space technology and the enduring importance of satellite-based geomagnetic research.

## Notable For
- **Decade-Long Mission:** Operated for over 10 years (2000–2010) before natural orbital decay.
- **Specific Focus:** Dedicated specifically to geomagnetic research and monitoring the magnetosphere.
- **Minisatellite Classification:** Designated as a "Challenging Minisatellite Payload," highlighting its efficient design.
- **International Launch:** A German satellite launched via a Russian Kosmos-3M rocket from Plesetsk Cosmodrome.
- **Advanced Power Systems:** Utilized solar cell panels with a surface area of 6.9 square meters to power its systems.

## Body

### Mission Overview
CHAMP (Challenging Minisatellite Payload) was a German satellite classified as a geomagnetic satellite. Its primary objective was to monitor the Earth's magnetosphere. The satellite was operated by the GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences, a research center headquartered at Telegrafenberg, Germany, which was established in 1992.

### Technical Specifications
The satellite had a launch mass of 522 kilograms. Its physical dimensions were defined by a length of 8.333 meters, a width of 1.621 meters, and a height of 0.750 meters. The spacecraft was built upon the "Flexbus" platform. It was powered by solar cell panels with a total area of 6.9 square meters.

The manufacturer listed for the entity is Astrium. While the operator (GFZ) is German, source data indicates a country of origin reference to France.

### Launch and Orbit
CHAMP was launched on July 15, 2000, at 12:00:00 UTC. The launch vehicle was a Kosmos-3M (specific identifier 47136-414), a Russian rocket. The launch took place at Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132. The satellite was placed into a Low Earth Orbit.

### Mission Conclusion
The satellite concluded its mission through natural atmospheric entry. The time of orbital decay is recorded as September 19, 2010.

### Identifiers and Classifications
- **SCN:** 26405
- **COSPAR ID:** 2000-039B
- **NSSDCA ID:** 2000-039B
- **Wikipedia Title:** CHAMP (satellite)

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/champ.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=26405)
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/grace-fo.htm)
6. [Source](https://www.gfz-potsdam.de/en/section/geomagnetism/infrastructure/gfz-satellite-mission-champ)
7. [Source](https://www.gfz-potsdam.de/en/section/geomagnetism/infrastructure/gfz-satellite-mission-champ/satellite-systems)