# EXOSAT

> space observatory

**Wikidata**: [Q49694](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q49694)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EXOSAT)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/exosat

## Summary
EXOSAT was a European Space Agency X-ray observatory launched on May 26, 1983, from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2. It operated as a space telescope to observe distant X-ray sources in outer space. The mission was manufactured by Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm and launched aboard a Delta 3000 rocket.

## Key Facts
- Launched on May 26, 1983, from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2
- Operated by the European Space Agency as a space telescope
- Manufactured by Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm
- Launched aboard a Delta 3000 rocket
- COSPAR ID: 1983-051A
- Also known as HELOS, X-ray Observatory satellite, and Sat
- Has 20 sitelinks across Wikipedia language editions
- Featured in 62 sitelinks under the space telescope class

## FAQs
### Q: What was EXOSAT's primary mission?
A: EXOSAT was designed to observe X-ray sources in outer space as a European Space Agency space telescope, launched in 1983 to study distant celestial objects.

### Q: Who operated EXOSAT?
A: EXOSAT was operated by the European Space Agency (ESA) as an X-ray observatory satellite.

### Q: When and how was EXOSAT launched?
A: EXOSAT was launched on May 26, 1983, from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2 aboard a Delta 3000 rocket.

## Why It Matters
EXOSAT represented a significant advancement in European space-based X-ray astronomy, providing crucial observations of high-energy cosmic phenomena that are invisible to optical telescopes. As ESA's first X-ray observatory, it helped establish Europe's capabilities in space-based astronomy and contributed to our understanding of black holes, neutron stars, and other extreme cosmic environments. The mission demonstrated the viability of European space telescope technology and paved the way for future ESA astronomy missions, while also fostering international collaboration in space science research.

## Notable For
- First European X-ray observatory satellite operated by ESA
- Launched aboard Delta 3000 rocket, establishing European-American launch partnerships
- Operated from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2, marking European presence in US launch facilities
- Featured multiple alternative names including HELOS and X-ray Observatory satellite
- Maintained extensive multilingual Wikipedia presence across 10 language editions

## Body
### Technical Specifications
EXOSAT was classified as a space telescope, designed specifically for X-ray astronomy observations. The observatory featured sophisticated X-ray detection instruments capable of observing high-energy cosmic phenomena.

### Launch and Operations
The satellite launched on May 26, 1983, from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2 in California. The launch vehicle was a Delta 3000 rocket, part of the American expendable launch system series. The mission operated under the European Space Agency's direction.

### Identification and Classification
EXOSAT carries the COSPAR ID 1983-051A and is cataloged in various space databases. The satellite is classified under the space telescope category and has been referenced in multiple academic and technical sources. Its Wikidata description identifies it as a space observatory.

### Manufacturing and Development
The observatory was manufactured by Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm, a German aerospace company. The development represented a significant European achievement in space-based astronomy instrumentation.

### Documentation and References
EXOSAT is extensively documented across multiple platforms, including Wikipedia articles in 10 languages, Commons category pages, and various space agency databases. The satellite has been referenced in academic publications and technical documentation related to X-ray astronomy.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013