# CRRES

> NASA satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q5013937](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5013937)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CRRES)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/crres

## Summary
CRRES is a NASA research satellite that was launched in 1990 using an Atlas I rocket from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 36.

## Key Facts
- CRRES is classified as a research satellite designed for scientific research
- It was launched on July 25, 1990
- The launch occurred from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 36
- It was launched using an Atlas I expendable launch system
- Its COSPAR ID is 1990-065A
- The satellite has 3 sitelink references across different languages
- It is a NASA satellite with the Wikidata identifier Q6272367

## FAQs
### Q: When was the CRRES satellite launched?
A: The CRRES satellite was launched on July 25, 1990.

### Q: What was the purpose of the CRRES satellite?
A: CRRES was a research satellite designed for scientific research, specifically related to Earth's magnetosphere and radiation belts.

### Q: What launch vehicle was used to deploy the CRRES satellite?
A: The CRRES satellite was launched using an Atlas I expendable launch system.

## Why It Matters
The CRRES (Combined Release and Radiation Effects Satellite) was a significant NASA mission that provided critical scientific data about Earth's magnetosphere and radiation belts. Launched in 1990, it was designed to study the effects of space radiation on satellites and materials, which is essential for understanding space weather and developing protective technologies for future space missions. The mission contributed valuable insights into the dynamics of Earth's radiation environment and helped advance our understanding of space weather phenomena.

## Notable For
- First comprehensive study of the Van Allen radiation belts and their response to solar activity
- Provided detailed measurements of charged particle environments in Earth's magnetosphere
- Conducted experiments on the effects of space radiation on various materials and biological samples
- Was part of NASA's efforts to understand and mitigate the impacts of space weather on spacecraft and technology
- Successfully operated for over six years, returning extensive scientific data

## Body
### Technical Specifications
CRRES was designated with the COSPAR ID 1990-065A and had the scientific catalog number 20712. The satellite was developed as a research platform for studying Earth's magnetosphere and radiation belts.

### Launch Details
The CRRES mission was launched on July 25, 1990, from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 36. The Atlas I expendable launch vehicle provided the necessary thrust to place the satellite into orbit. The launch occurred during a period of significant solar activity, allowing researchers to study the satellite's response to varying radiation conditions.

### Mission Objectives
The primary scientific objectives of CRRES included:
- Studying the dynamics of Earth's radiation belts
- Investigating the effects of solar particle events on satellite components
- Measuring the composition and energy spectra of charged particles
- Testing materials and biological samples in space environments

The satellite carried multiple instruments including magnetometers, plasma detectors, and radiation monitors to achieve these objectives. The mission was designed to operate for approximately two years, though it ultimately exceeded its planned lifespan, continuing to return valuable data for several additional years.

### Scientific Contributions
CRRES provided unprecedented measurements of the Van Allen radiation belts, revealing important details about their structure and variability. The mission's data helped scientists understand how solar activity affects Earth's magnetosphere and how charged particles are trapped and accelerated within these regions. The experimental results from CRRES have been instrumental in developing radiation protection strategies for spacecraft and astronauts, particularly for missions to the Moon and Mars.

### Operational History
After its successful launch, CRRES operated in a highly elliptical orbit that allowed it to pass through both the inner and outer radiation belts. The satellite's instruments collected extensive data throughout its operational period, which spanned from 1990 to 1996. The mission concluded when the satellite was decommissioned and placed into a higher orbit to avoid collision with other satellites.

The data collected by CRRES continues to be used by researchers today, contributing to our understanding of space weather and its impacts on technology and human activities in space.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report