# Fast Auroral Snapshot Explorer

> NASA satellite of the Explorer program

**Wikidata**: [Q49912](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q49912)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fast_Auroral_SnapshoT_Explorer)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/fast-auroral-snapshot-explorer

## Summary
The **Fast Auroral Snapshot Explorer (FAST)** is a NASA Earth observation satellite launched as part of the Explorer program to study auroral phenomena. It was deployed in 1996 to capture high-resolution data on the Earth's auroras and related space plasma processes.

## Key Facts
- Launched on **August 21, 1996**, aboard a **Pegasus air-launched rocket**.
- Part of NASA's **Explorer program** (Explorer 70) and the **Small Explorer program** (SMEX-2).
- Also known by aliases: **FAST**, **Explorer 70**, and **SMEX-2**.
- COSPAR ID: **1996-049A**.
- Followed the **Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer** and **Solar Anomalous and Magnetospheric Particle Explorer** in the Explorer program.
- Preceded the **Advanced Composition Explorer** and **Submillimeter Wave Astronomy Satellite**.
- Official website: [http://sprg.ssl.berkeley.edu/fast/](http://sprg.ssl.berkeley.edu/fast/).

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of the Fast Auroral Snapshot Explorer?
A: FAST was designed to study Earth's auroras and related space plasma processes by capturing high-resolution data from orbit.

### Q: When was FAST launched?
A: FAST was launched on **August 21, 1996**, using a Pegasus rocket.

### Q: What program was FAST part of?
A: It was part of NASA's **Explorer program** (Explorer 70) and the **Small Explorer program** (SMEX-2).

### Q: What were the aliases for FAST?
A: FAST was also known as **Explorer 70** and **SMEX-2**.

### Q: What came after FAST in the Explorer program?
A: The **Advanced Composition Explorer** (Explorer 71) followed FAST in the Explorer program.

## Why It Matters
The Fast Auroral Snapshot Explorer played a crucial role in advancing our understanding of auroral phenomena and space plasma physics. By providing high-resolution data on Earth's auroras, FAST helped scientists study the interactions between the solar wind and Earth's magnetosphere. This research contributes to broader space weather studies, which are essential for protecting satellites, communication systems, and power grids from solar disturbances. FAST's mission also demonstrated the effectiveness of small, focused satellites in conducting high-impact scientific research, paving the way for future small satellite missions.

## Notable For
- Being the **second mission in NASA's Small Explorer program (SMEX-2)**.
- Providing **high-resolution data on auroral processes** and space plasma interactions.
- Launching via an **air-launched Pegasus rocket**, a unique deployment method.
- Contributing to the **Explorer program's legacy** of cost-effective, focused scientific missions.
- Having a **dedicated website** for mission data and updates.

## Body
### Mission Overview
The **Fast Auroral Snapshot Explorer (FAST)** was a NASA satellite designed to study Earth's auroras and related space plasma phenomena. It was part of the **Explorer program**, specifically designated as **Explorer 70**, and the **Small Explorer program (SMEX-2)**.

### Launch and Deployment
- **Launch Date**: August 21, 1996.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Pegasus air-launched rocket.
- **COSPAR ID**: 1996-049A.

### Mission Context
FAST followed two notable missions in the Explorer program:
- **Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer** (Explorer 69).
- **Solar Anomalous and Magnetospheric Particle Explorer** (SMEX-1).

It was succeeded by:
- **Advanced Composition Explorer** (Explorer 71).
- **Submillimeter Wave Astronomy Satellite** (SMEX-3).

### Technical Specifications
- **Aliases**: FAST, Explorer 70, SMEX-2.
- **Official Website**: [http://sprg.ssl.berkeley.edu/fast/](http://sprg.ssl.berkeley.edu/fast/).
- **Image**: Available via Wikimedia Commons ([FAST.jpg](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/FAST.jpg)).

### Scientific Contributions
FAST was instrumental in capturing detailed data on auroral processes, helping scientists understand the interactions between the solar wind and Earth's magnetosphere. Its findings have been used in studies of space weather and its impacts on technological infrastructure.

## Schema Markup
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## References

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