# FORMOSAT-3D

> 29050

**Wikidata**: [Q96811840](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q96811840)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/formosat-3d

## Summary
FORMOSAT-3D is a research satellite identified by the Satellite Catalog Number 29050 and COSPAR ID 2006-011D. It operates as a component of the joint U.S.-Taiwanese FORMOSAT-3 constellation. The satellite was successfully launched into orbit on April 15, 2006, aboard a Minotaur I space launch vehicle.

## Key Facts
- **COSPAR ID:** 2006-011D
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 29050
- **Launch Date:** April 15, 2006
- **Launch Vehicle:** Minotaur I
- **Parent Constellation:** FORMOSAT-3 (a joint U.S.-Taiwanese research satellite constellation)
- **Instance Class:** Satellite
- **Aliases:** Formosat 3D
- **Wolfram Language Entity Code:** Entity["Satellite", "29050"]

## FAQs
### Q: What is FORMOSAT-3D?
A: FORMOSAT-3D is a specific satellite unit within the larger FORMOSAT-3 constellation, which is a collaborative research project between the United States and Taiwan.

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

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

## Why It Matters
FORMOSAT-3D serves as a critical component of the FORMOSAT-3 program, a landmark collaboration in space technology between the United States and Taiwan. As part of a research satellite constellation, this entity contributes to the collective scientific data gathering initiated by the 2006 mission. Its deployment via the Minotaur I launch vehicle demonstrates the utilization of specific launch technologies for inserting research assets into orbit.

The specific identification of this entity via COSPAR ID 2006-011D and SCN 29050 allows for precise tracking and data attribution within the global space surveillance network. By functioning as an instance of the FORMOSAT-3 class, FORMOSAT-3D helps achieve the redundancy and coverage required by the constellation's research objectives. Its existence underscores the operational complexity of deploying multi-satellite constellations for joint international research.

## Notable For
- **International Collaboration:** Forms a part of the joint U.S.-Taiwanese research satellite constellation FORMOSAT-3.
- **Specific Orbital Designation:** Uniquely identified by the international COSPAR ID 2006-011D.
- **Launch Configuration:** Deployed as part of the 2006-011 mission sequence, indicated by the "D" suffix.
- **Launch Vehicle:** Utilized the Minotaur I rocket, a specific class of space launch vehicle.

## Body

### Identity and Classification
FORMOSAT-3D is classified as an instance of the FORMOSAT-3 constellation. It is cataloged in space tracking databases under the Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) 29050. The entity is also known by the alias "Formosat 3D." In computational data systems, such as the Wolfram Language, it is represented by the entity code `Entity["Satellite", "29050"]`.

### Mission and Launch
The satellite was launched on April 15, 2006. The launch was executed using a Minotaur I space launch vehicle. The mission is designated under the COSPAR international designator 2006-011D, identifying it as the fourth object (D) associated with the specific launch in the first half of 2006.

### Operational Context
FORMOSAT-3D operates within the FORMOSAT-3 framework, described as a joint U.S.-Taiwanese research satellite constellation. This relationship links the satellite to broader international scientific efforts and the specific class of FORMOSAT-3 satellites.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report