# FORMOSAT-3

> joint U.S.-Taiwanese research satellite constellation

**Wikidata**: [Q1389402](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1389402)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constellation_Observing_System_for_Meteorology,_Ionosphere,_and_Climate)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/formosat-3

## Summary  
FORMOSAT-3 is a joint U.S.-Taiwanese research satellite constellation designed for meteorological and ionospheric observation. Launched in 2006, it was also known as COSMIC-1 and operated until its retirement in 2020.

## Key Facts  
- Official name: Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate (COSMIC-1)  
- Country of origin: Joint project between Taiwan and the United States  
- Launch date: April 15, 2006  
- Retirement date: May 1, 2020  
- Operator: Taiwan Space Agency and University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR)  
- Manufacturer and launch contractor: Orbital Sciences Corporation  
- Launch site: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 8  
- Consists of six satellites: FORMOSAT-3A through FORMOSAT-3F  
- Classified as a spacecraft constellation and weather satellite  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was the purpose of FORMOSAT-3?  
A: FORMOSAT-3 was designed to collect atmospheric and ionospheric data using GPS radio occultation techniques. Its primary applications included weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and space weather research.

### Q: How many satellites made up the FORMOSAT-3 constellation?  
A: The constellation consisted of six individual satellites labeled FORMOSAT-3A through FORMOSAT-3F, each functioning as part of a coordinated system.

### Q: When was FORMOSAT-3 launched and retired?  
A: FORMOSAT-3 was launched on April 15, 2006, and officially retired on May 1, 2020, after more than 14 years of operation.

## Why It Matters  
FORMOSAT-3 played a critical role in global meteorology and atmospheric science by providing high-resolution data on Earth's atmosphere and ionosphere. Its use of GPS radio occultation allowed scientists to gather precise measurements of temperature, pressure, and moisture at various altitudes worldwide. These observations significantly improved numerical weather prediction models and contributed to climate research efforts. Operated collaboratively by Taiwan and the U.S., the mission demonstrated successful international cooperation in space-based Earth observation. The data collected continues to be used in scientific studies and operational forecasting systems around the world.

## Notable For  
- First large-scale international collaboration between Taiwan and the U.S. in a scientific satellite program  
- Pioneering application of GPS radio occultation technology for global atmospheric profiling  
- Long operational lifespan exceeding 14 years  
- Significant contribution to global numerical weather prediction accuracy  
- Unique dual focus on both meteorology and ionospheric research  

## Body  
### Mission Overview  
FORMOSAT-3, also known as COSMIC-1, was developed under a partnership between Taiwan’s National Space Organization (NSPO), now the Taiwan Space Agency, and the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) in the United States. The mission aimed to advance understanding of Earth's atmosphere, climate, and ionosphere through advanced remote sensing techniques.

### Technical Details  
The constellation utilized GPS Radio Occultation (GPS-RO) to measure atmospheric conditions with high vertical resolution. Each satellite weighed approximately 62 kg and carried a GPS receiver and a Tiny Ionospheric Photometer (TIP). The satellites orbited at an altitude of about 700–800 km in near-polar, sun-synchronous orbits.

#### Satellites in the Constellation:
- FORMOSAT-3A (NORAD ID: 29047)
- FORMOSAT-3B (NORAD ID: 29048)
- FORMOSAT-3C (NORAD ID: 29049)
- FORMOSAT-3D (NORAD ID: 29050)
- FORMOSAT-3E (NORAD ID: 29051)
- FORMOSAT-3F (NORAD ID: 29052)

### Launch and Operations  
Launched on April 15, 2006, from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 8 aboard a Minotaur rocket manufactured by Orbital Sciences Corporation, the constellation began operations shortly thereafter. Over its lifetime, it delivered over 3 million atmospheric profiles, which were widely used by meteorological agencies globally.

### End of Mission  
Service retirement occurred on May 1, 2020, following the successful deployment and commencement of its successor mission, FORMOSAT-7/COSMIC-2.

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