# FORMOSAT-3A

> 29047

**Wikidata**: [Q96811732](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q96811732)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/formosat-3a

## Summary
FORMOSAT-3A is a U.S.-Taiwanese research satellite identified as a specific component (instance) of the FORMOSAT-3 joint research constellation. Launched on April 15, 2006, aboard a Minotaur I rocket, it is cataloged internationally with the COSPAR ID 2006-011A and Satellite Catalog Number 29047.

## Key Facts
- **COSPAR ID:** 2006-011A
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 29047
- **Launch Date:** April 15, 2006
- **Launch Vehicle:** Minotaur I
- **Classification:** Instance of FORMOSAT-3 (a joint U.S.-Taiwanese research satellite constellation)
- **Aliases:** Formosat 3A
- **Wolfram Language Entity:** Entity["Satellite", "29047"]

## FAQs
### Q: What is FORMOSAT-3A?
A: FORMOSAT-3A is a research satellite that functions as part of the FORMOSAT-3 constellation, a collaborative project between the United States and Taiwan.

### Q: When was FORMOSAT-3A launched?
A: The satellite was launched on April 15, 2006.

### Q: What rocket was used to launch FORMOSAT-3A?
A: It was launched using a Minotaur I space launch vehicle.

### Q: What are the international identifiers for FORMOSAT-3A?
A: The satellite holds the COSPAR ID 2006-011A and the Satellite Catalog Number 29047.

## Why It Matters
FORMOSAT-3A serves as a key unit within the FORMOSAT-3 constellation, representing a significant instance of international cooperation in space technology between the United States and Taiwan. As a part of a joint research initiative, this satellite contributes to the constellation's mission to gather atmospheric and ionospheric data for weather prediction and climate monitoring. The successful deployment of FORMOSAT-3A via the Minotaur I launch vehicle highlights the utilization of reliable, hybrid-propellant launch systems for placing research payloads into orbit. Its specific identification through COSPAR and Satellite Catalog numbers allows for precise tracking and data management by global space agencies and scientific communities.

## Notable For
- **International Collaboration:** Constitutes a component of a joint U.S.-Taiwanese research satellite constellation.
- **Specific Identification:** Uniquely identified by COSPAR ID 2006-011A and SCN 29047.
- **Launch Configuration:** Deployed via the Minotaur I space launch vehicle.
- **Constellation Membership:** Defined as a distinct instance of the FORMOSAT-3 satellite class.

## Body
### Classification and Identity
FORMOSAT-3A is classified as an instance of the **FORMOSAT-3** class, which is defined as a joint U.S.-Taiwanese research satellite constellation. It is alternatively known by the alias **Formosat 3A**.

In scientific and tracking databases, the entity is defined by the following identifiers:
*   **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 29047
*   **COSPAR ID:** 2006-011A
*   **Wolfram Language Code:** Entity["Satellite", "29047"]

### Launch and Deployment
The satellite was successfully launched on **April 15, 2006**. The deployment was executed using a **Minotaur I** space launch vehicle, a rocket system notably used for U.S. government and research payloads.

### Related Entities
*   **FORMOSAT-3:** The parent class or constellation to which FORMOSAT-3A belongs. It is characterized as a joint U.S.-Taiwanese research initiative.
*   **Minotaur I:** The specific launch vehicle utilized to transport the satellite into orbit.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report