# ESA-GEOS 1

> ESA research satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q113172876](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q113172876)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/esa-geos-1

## Summary
ESA-GEOS 1 is a European Space Agency (ESA) research satellite launched in 1977 to study Earth's magnetosphere and related regions. It was the first in a series of geostationary magnetospheric research satellites and operated in a highly elliptical orbit, providing critical data on geomagnetic activity.

## Key Facts
- Launched on **April 20, 1977**, from **Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17B** using a **Delta 2000** rocket.
- Operated by the **European Space Agency (ESA)** and manufactured by the **British Aircraft Corporation**.
- **Mass**: 573 kg (launch weight), 273.6 kg (dry weight).
- **Dimensions**: 1.321 meters in height and 1.645 meters in diameter.
- **Orbit**: Highly elliptical, with an **apoapsis of 38,318 km** and **periapsis of 2,113 km** (as of April 25, 1977).
- Powered by **solar cells** generating **110 watts** with 7,200 cells.
- **COPSAR ID**: 1977-029A, **NSSDCA ID**: 1977-029A.
- Succeeded by **ESA-GEOS 2**, the next satellite in the series.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of ESA-GEOS 1?
A: ESA-GEOS 1 was designed as a **geomagnetic satellite** to monitor Earth's magnetosphere and related regions, providing data for scientific research on geomagnetic activity.

### Q: When and where was ESA-GEOS 1 launched?
A: It was launched on **April 20, 1977**, from **Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17B** using a **Delta 2000** rocket.

### Q: What were the key specifications of ESA-GEOS 1?
A: The satellite had a **launch mass of 573 kg**, a **height of 1.321 meters**, and a **diameter of 1.645 meters**. It operated in a **highly elliptical orbit** with an apoapsis of 38,318 km and periapsis of 2,113 km.

### Q: Who operated ESA-GEOS 1?
A: The satellite was operated by the **European Space Agency (ESA)** and manufactured by the **British Aircraft Corporation**.

### Q: What powered ESA-GEOS 1?
A: It was powered by **solar cells**, with **7,200 cells** generating **110 watts** of power.

## Why It Matters
ESA-GEOS 1 played a crucial role in advancing our understanding of Earth's magnetosphere and geomagnetic activity. As the first in a series of ESA geostationary research satellites, it provided foundational data for space weather studies and magnetospheric research. Its highly elliptical orbit allowed it to observe regions of space that were previously less accessible, contributing to both scientific knowledge and practical applications in satellite communications and navigation. The mission also demonstrated Europe's growing capabilities in space research during the late 20th century, paving the way for future ESA missions.

## Notable For
- **First in the Geostationary Earth Orbit Satellite series**, a pioneering ESA mission for magnetospheric research.
- **Highly elliptical orbit**, enabling unique observations of Earth's magnetosphere.
- **Solar-powered design**, featuring 7,200 solar cells generating 110 watts.
- **Precision measurements** of geomagnetic activity, contributing to space weather research.
- **Foundation for future missions**, including its successor, ESA-GEOS 2.

## Body
### Overview
ESA-GEOS 1 (Geostationary Earth Orbit Satellite 1) was a research satellite launched by the European Space Agency (ESA) to study Earth's magnetosphere. It was part of a series of satellites designed to monitor geomagnetic activity and related phenomena.

### Launch and Orbit
- **Launch Date**: April 20, 1977, at 10:15 UTC.
- **Launch Site**: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17B.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Delta 2000 (D130).
- **Orbit Type**: Highly elliptical orbit.
  - **Apoapsis**: 38,318 km (as of April 25, 1977).
  - **Periapsis**: 2,113 km (as of April 25, 1977).
  - **Orbital Inclination**: 26.3 degrees.

### Physical Specifications
- **Mass**:
  - Launch weight: 573 kg.
  - Dry weight: 273.6 kg.
- **Dimensions**:
  - Height: 1.321 meters.
  - Diameter: 1.645 meters.
- **Power Source**: Solar cells (7,200 cells, 110 watts).

### Mission and Objectives
ESA-GEOS 1 was classified as a **geomagnetic satellite**, meaning its primary mission was to monitor Earth's magnetosphere and related regions. The data collected by the satellite contributed to scientific research on space weather, geomagnetic storms, and the interaction between the solar wind and Earth's magnetic field.

### Operators and Manufacturers
- **Operator**: European Space Agency (ESA).
- **Manufacturer**: British Aircraft Corporation.

### Identification
- **COPSAR ID**: 1977-029A.
- **NSSDCA ID**: 1977-029A.
- **Wikidata Entity Code**: Entity["Satellite", "09931"].

### Successor
ESA-GEOS 1 was followed by **ESA-GEOS 2**, the next satellite in the Geostationary Earth Orbit Satellite series.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "ESA-GEOS 1",
  "description": "ESA research satellite launched in 1977 to study Earth's magnetosphere and related regions.",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GEOS_1"
  ],
  "additionalType": "Geomagnetic Satellite"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/esa-geos.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://esamultimedia.esa.int/multimedia/publications/ESA-Bulletin-009/offline/download.pdf)
4. [Source](https://heavens-above.com/orbit.aspx?satid=09931)
5. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1977-029A)