# Glory > NASA Earth observation satellite, lost in a launch failure **Wikidata**: [Q1532148](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1532148) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glory_(satellite)) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/glory-q1532148 ## Summary Glory was a NASA Earth observation satellite designed to study aerosols and solar radiation, but it was lost during launch failure on March 4, 2011. The satellite was part of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center's research efforts and was launched aboard a Minotaur-C rocket. ## Key Facts - **Class**: Earth observation satellite - **Launch date**: March 4, 2011, at 10:09:43 UTC - **Launch site**: Vandenberg Launch Complex 576 E - **Launch vehicle**: Minotaur-C 3110 (T9 configuration) - **Operator**: Goddard Space Flight Center (established 1959) - **Manufacturer**: Orbital Sciences Corporation - **Mass**: 545 kg (launch weight) - **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous orbit - **Power source**: Spacecraft solar array (2 panels) - **Spacecraft bus**: Star Bus - **Status**: Lost in launch failure - **Aliases**: 荣耀号, 辉煌号, 荣耀号卫星 ## FAQs ### Q: What was the purpose of the Glory satellite? A: Glory was designed to study Earth's aerosols and solar radiation, providing data to improve climate models and understand atmospheric processes. ### Q: Why was the Glory satellite lost? A: The satellite was lost during a launch failure on March 4, 2011, when the Minotaur-C rocket carrying it malfunctioned. ### Q: Who operated the Glory satellite? A: The Glory satellite was operated by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, which was established in 1959. ### Q: What was the launch vehicle used for Glory? A: Glory was launched aboard a Minotaur-C 3110 rocket in the T9 configuration from Vandenberg Air Force Base. ### Q: What was the mass of the Glory satellite? A: The Glory satellite had a launch mass of 545 kilograms. ## Why It Matters The Glory satellite was a critical component of NASA's Earth observation program, aimed at improving our understanding of climate change by measuring atmospheric aerosols and solar radiation. Aerosols, tiny particles suspended in the air, play a significant role in climate regulation, yet their effects remain poorly understood. By studying these particles, Glory sought to provide data that could refine climate models and enhance predictions about global warming. Additionally, the satellite was designed to measure total solar irradiance (TSI), which is essential for understanding the Sun's energy output and its impact on Earth's climate. The loss of Glory was a setback for NASA's climate research, as it meant the agency had to rely on data from other satellites and ground-based observations. However, the failure also highlighted the challenges and risks associated with space missions, emphasizing the need for robust launch systems and contingency plans. ## Notable For - **First of its kind**: Glory was one of the first satellites specifically designed to study both aerosols and solar radiation simultaneously. - **Advanced instrumentation**: The satellite carried the Aerosol Polarimetry Sensor (APS) and the Total Irradiance Monitor (TIM), which were state-of-the-art instruments for their time. - **Climate research focus**: Glory's data was intended to fill critical gaps in climate science, particularly in understanding the role of aerosols in climate change. - **NASA's Goddard leadership**: The satellite was developed under the leadership of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, showcasing the center's expertise in Earth observation. - **Launch failure impact**: The loss of Glory underscored the risks and complexities of space missions, particularly those involving new or modified launch vehicles. ## Body ### Overview Glory was a NASA Earth observation satellite launched on March 4, 2011, aboard a Minotaur-C rocket. The satellite was designed to study aerosols and solar radiation, with the goal of improving climate models and enhancing our understanding of atmospheric processes. However, the mission ended in failure when the rocket malfunctioned shortly after launch. ### Development and Design Glory was developed by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, which has been a leader in space research since its establishment in 1959. The satellite was built on the Star Bus spacecraft platform and featured two solar arrays for power. It was equipped with the Aerosol Polarimetry Sensor (APS) and the Total Irradiance Monitor (TIM), which were designed to measure atmospheric aerosols and solar radiation, respectively. ### Launch and Failure Glory was launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base's Space Launch Complex 576E aboard a Minotaur-C rocket in the T9 configuration. The launch took place at 10:09:43 UTC on March 4, 2011. However, the mission ended in failure when the rocket's payload fairing failed to separate, causing the satellite to be lost. The failure was attributed to a malfunction in the rocket's avionics system. ### Scientific Objectives The primary scientific objectives of Glory included: - **Aerosol measurements**: Studying the distribution and properties of atmospheric aerosols to better understand their role in climate change. - **Solar radiation monitoring**: Measuring total solar irradiance (TSI) to improve our understanding of the Sun's energy output and its impact on Earth's climate. ### Legacy and Impact Despite its failure, Glory's mission laid the groundwork for future Earth observation satellites. The data it was intended to collect would have provided valuable insights into climate science, particularly in the areas of aerosols and solar radiation. The loss of Glory also highlighted the challenges and risks associated with space missions, particularly those involving new or modified launch vehicles. ### Technical Specifications - **Mass**: 545 kg (launch weight) - **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous orbit - **Power source**: Spacecraft solar array (2 panels) - **Manufacturer**: Orbital Sciences Corporation - **Launch vehicle**: Minotaur-C 3110 (T9 configuration) ### Aliases and International Recognition Glory was also known by the names 荣耀号 and 辉煌号 in Chinese, reflecting its significance in international space programs. The satellite's mission was recognized by various space agencies and research institutions, underscoring its importance in global climate research. ## References 1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/glory.htm) 2. Jonathan's Space Report 3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013