# Coriolis > American military Earth and solar observation satellite **Wikidata**: [Q172421](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q172421) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coriolis_(satellite)) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/coriolis ## Summary Coriolis is an American military Earth and solar observation satellite launched in 2003. Operated by the United States Naval Research Laboratory, it was designed for both Earth and solar monitoring, carrying instruments like WINDSAT and the Solar Mass Ejection Imager. The satellite was decommissioned in 2020 after nearly two decades of service. ## Key Facts - **Class**: Military satellite and Earth observation satellite - **Operator**: United States Naval Research Laboratory (inception: July 2, 1923) - **Launch Date**: January 6, 2003, at 14:19 UTC from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 West - **Launch Vehicle**: Titan 23G (variant: 23G-4) - **Mass**: 827.4 kg (launch weight), 745 kg (dry weight) - **Dimensions**: 4.69 meters in height, 1.34 meters in diameter - **Power**: 1174 watts (solar array), 725 watts average consumption - **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous orbit - **Manufacturer**: Spectrum Astro - **Spacecraft Bus**: LEOStar-3 - **Significant Events**: Service entry in February 2003, retirement in December 2020 - **Instruments**: WINDSAT, Solar Mass Ejection Imager ## FAQs ### Q: What was the purpose of the Coriolis satellite? A: Coriolis was a military satellite designed for Earth and solar observation, equipped with instruments like WINDSAT for wind measurements and the Solar Mass Ejection Imager for solar activity monitoring. ### Q: Who operated the Coriolis satellite? A: The satellite was operated by the United States Naval Research Laboratory, a research institution for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. ### Q: When was the Coriolis satellite launched and decommissioned? A: Coriolis was launched on January 6, 2003, and decommissioned on December 31, 2020, after nearly two decades of service. ### Q: What type of orbit did Coriolis use? A: Coriolis operated in a sun-synchronous orbit, which is commonly used for Earth observation satellites to maintain consistent lighting conditions. ### Q: What instruments were aboard Coriolis? A: The satellite carried the WINDSAT instrument for wind measurements and the Solar Mass Ejection Imager to track solar activity. ## Why It Matters Coriolis played a crucial role in military and scientific research by providing real-time data on Earth's weather and solar activity. As a military satellite, it supported operational needs, including wind measurements for meteorological and oceanographic applications. Its decommissioning marked the end of an era for solar and Earth observation from a dedicated platform, though its data continued to inform subsequent missions. The satellite's contributions highlight the intersection of defense and space-based environmental monitoring, demonstrating the value of long-duration satellite deployments in both military and civilian contexts. ## Notable For - **Dual-Purpose Design**: Coriolis was one of the few satellites explicitly designed for both Earth and solar observation, bridging military and scientific objectives. - **Long Operational Life**: It remained operational for nearly two decades, providing continuous data during its service period. - **Military-Specific Instruments**: The satellite carried specialized instruments like WINDSAT, tailored for military applications in weather and oceanography. - **Sun-Synchronous Orbit**: Its orbit ensured consistent imaging conditions, critical for both Earth and solar monitoring. - **Naval Research Collaboration**: Operated by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, it exemplified the institution's role in advancing space-based military and scientific research. ## Body ### Overview Coriolis was an American military satellite launched on January 6, 2003, aboard a Titan 23G rocket from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 West. Developed under the Space Test Program, it was sponsored by the Naval Information Warfare Systems Command and operated by the United States Naval Research Laboratory. ### Design and Specifications The satellite had a launch mass of 827.4 kg and a dry mass of 745 kg. It measured 4.69 meters in height and 1.34 meters in diameter, utilizing a LEOStar-3 spacecraft bus. Powered by a solar array generating 1174 watts, it consumed an average of 725 watts. The satellite was equipped with the WINDSAT instrument for wind measurements and the Solar Mass Ejection Imager to monitor solar activity. ### Mission and Instruments Coriolis was designed for both Earth and solar observation. WINDSAT provided critical data for military and scientific applications, including weather forecasting and oceanographic research. The Solar Mass Ejection Imager tracked solar eruptions, contributing to space weather monitoring. These instruments made it a unique platform for dual-purpose military and scientific research. ### Operational History The satellite entered service in February 2003 and was decommissioned on December 31, 2020, after nearly two decades of operation. Its long lifespan provided valuable data during its service period, supporting both military and scientific objectives. The satellite's retirement marked the end of an era for dedicated solar and Earth observation from a single platform. ### Legacy Coriolis remains notable for its dual-purpose design and long operational life. Its instruments and data contributed to advancements in military and scientific research, particularly in weather monitoring and solar activity tracking. The satellite's legacy underscores the importance of sustained satellite deployments in both defense and space-based environmental monitoring. ## References 1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/coriolis.htm) 2. [Source](https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/coriolis) 3. Jonathan's Space Report 4. [Source](https://spaceflightnow.com/titan/g4/index.html) 5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 6. [Source](https://www.sr.bham.ac.uk/~mpc/p2/smei/) 7. [Source](https://space.oscar.wmo.int/satellites/view/coriolis)