# FORMOSAT-7-3
**Wikidata**: [Q108120837](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q108120837)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/formosat-7-3

## Summary
FORMOSAT-7-3 is a satellite in the FORMOSAT-7 constellation, a joint U.S.-Taiwanese research project designed to monitor weather and space weather. Launched on June 25, 2019, aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, it operates under the COSPAR ID 2019-036E and is also known as COSMIC-2 FM3. The satellite contributes to global weather forecasting and ionospheric studies.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: June 25, 2019
- **Launch Vehicle**: SpaceX Falcon Heavy
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 44343
- **COSPAR ID**: 2019-036E
- **Aliases**: COSMIC 2-3, COSMIC-2 FM3
- **Mission Type**: Part of the FORMOSAT-7 constellation for meteorological and space weather research
- **Collaboration**: Joint project between the United States and Taiwan

## FAQs
### Q: When was FORMOSAT-7-3 launched?
A: FORMOSAT-7-3 was launched on June 25, 2019, aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket.

### Q: What is the purpose of FORMOSAT-7-3?
A: The satellite supports weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and ionospheric research as part of the FORMOSAT-7 constellation.

### Q: What are the alternate names for FORMOSAT-7-3?
A: It is also known as COSMIC-2 FM3 and COSMIC 2-3.

## Why It Matters
FORMOSAT-7-3 plays a critical role in advancing global weather prediction and understanding space weather events. As part of the FORMOSAT-7 constellation, it enhances the accuracy and timeliness of meteorological data, which is essential for disaster preparedness, aviation, and maritime safety. The mission demonstrates international collaboration in space research, combining U.S. and Taiwanese expertise to address global challenges. By monitoring atmospheric and ionospheric conditions, FORMOSAT-7-3 helps mitigate risks from severe weather and solar activity, contributing to both scientific knowledge and public safety.

## Notable For
- **Launch Vehicle**: Deployed via SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy, highlighting the rocket’s capability for multi-payload missions.
- **Constellation Role**: One of the initial satellites in the FORMOSAT-7 network, expanding global coverage of weather and space weather data.
- **International Partnership**: Embodies cooperation between the U.S. and Taiwan in space-based Earth observation.

## Body
### Launch Details
- **Date**: June 25, 2019
- **Rocket**: SpaceX Falcon Heavy (Flight STP-2)
- **Payload**: Part of a multi-satellite deployment under the U.S. Air Force’s Space Test Program-2 (STP-2) mission.

### Mission Objectives
- **Weather Monitoring**: Provides high-resolution data for tracking storms, hurricanes, and typhoons.
- **Space Weather**: Monitors ionospheric disturbances caused by solar activity, critical for protecting satellite communications and navigation systems.

### Technical Specifications
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 44343
- **COSPAR ID**: 2019-036E
- **Aliases**: COSMIC-2 FM3, COSMIC 2-3

### Constellation Context
- **FORMOSAT-7 Series**: A follow-on to the earlier FORMOSAT-3 (COSMIC) mission, offering improved sensors and broader coverage.
- **Collaboration**: Jointly developed by the National Space Organization (NSPO) of Taiwan and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the U.S.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report