# Double Star 1

> former joint Chinese-European magnetospheric research satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q111497460](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111497460)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/double-star-1

## Summary
Double Star 1 (also known as Tan Ce 1 or TC-1) was a joint Chinese-European magnetospheric research satellite launched in 2003. It was part of the Double Star mission, designed to study Earth's magnetosphere alongside its companion satellite, Double Star 2. The mission ended in 2007 when the satellite re-entered Earth's atmosphere.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: December 29, 2003, at 19:06:18 UTC from Xichang Satellite Launch Center ([reference](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=2003-061A)).  
- **Mass**: 330 kg (launch weight) ([reference](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=2003-061A)).  
- **Dimensions**: 1.4 m height × 2.1 m diameter ([reference](https://sci.esa.int/web/double-star/-/47352-fact-sheet)).  
- **Operators**: China National Space Administration (CNSA) and European Space Agency (ESA) ([reference](https://directory.eoportal.org/web/eoportal/satellite-missions/d/dsp)).  
- **Power System**: Solar array (260 W) and nickel-hydrogen batteries ([reference](https://directory.eoportal.org/web/eoportal/satellite-missions/d/dsp)).  
- **Mission End**: Decommissioned and re-entered Earth's atmosphere on October 14, 2007 ([reference](https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Operations/Double_Star_TC-1_completes_its_mission)).  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Long March 2C rocket ([reference](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=2003-061A)).  

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Double Star 1?  
A: Double Star 1 was designed to study Earth's magnetosphere, working in tandem with Double Star 2 to collect data on space weather and geomagnetic activity.  

### Q: Who operated Double Star 1?  
A: It was jointly operated by the China National Space Administration (CNSA) and the European Space Agency (ESA).  

### Q: When did Double Star 1 end its mission?  
A: The satellite was decommissioned and re-entered Earth's atmosphere on October 14, 2007.  

## Why It Matters  
Double Star 1 was significant as the first major collaboration between China and Europe in space science. It complemented ESA's Cluster mission, expanding coverage of Earth's magnetosphere and improving understanding of space weather phenomena like solar storms. The mission provided critical data on how solar activity interacts with Earth's magnetic field, aiding space weather forecasting and satellite protection. Its success paved the way for future international space partnerships.  

## Notable For  
- **First Sino-European Space Mission**: Marked China's first major collaboration with ESA ([reference](https://directory.eoportal.org/web/eoportal/satellite-missions/d/dsp)).  
- **Complementary to Cluster Mission**: Worked alongside ESA's Cluster satellites for broader magnetospheric coverage.  
- **Short Operational Lifespan**: Active for nearly four years before planned decommissioning.  

## Body  
### Mission Overview  
- Part of the Double Star mission, alongside Double Star 2 (Polar).  
- Focused on equatorial magnetospheric studies ([reference](https://sci.esa.int/web/double-star/-/47352-fact-sheet)).  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Manufacturer**: China Academy of Space Technology ([reference](https://directory.eoportal.org/web/eoportal/satellite-missions/d/dsp)).  
- **Power**: 260 W solar array supported by four nickel-hydrogen batteries ([reference](https://directory.eoportal.org/web/eoportal/satellite-missions/d/dsp)).  

### Mission Timeline  
- **Launch**: December 29, 2003 ([reference](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=2003-061A)).  
- **Decay**: October 14, 2007 ([reference](https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Operations/Double_Star_TC-1_completes_its_mission)).  

### Legacy  
- Data shared with Cluster mission enhanced global magnetospheric models ([reference](https://sci.esa.int/web/double-star)).

## References

1. [Source](https://directory.eoportal.org/web/eoportal/satellite-missions/d/dsp)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=2003-061A)
4. [Source](https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Operations/Double_Star_TC-1_completes_its_mission)
5. [Source](https://sci.esa.int/web/double-star/-/47352-fact-sheet)