# HaloSat – A CubeSat to Study the Hot Galactic Halo

> International Space Station experiment

**Wikidata**: [Q114812539](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q114812539)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/halosat-a-cubesat-to-study-the-hot-galactic-halo

## Summary
HaloSat is a CubeSat mission that studied the hot gas in the Milky Way's galactic halo, launched to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2018. It was part of Expedition 55 and 56, concluding its operations in October 2018. The mission aimed to analyze the diffuse, high-energy gas surrounding our galaxy.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: CubeSat (miniaturized satellite made up of 10cm-sided cubic modules)
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **Mission Duration**: February 27, 2018 – October 4, 2018
- **Location**: International Space Station (ISS)
- **Part of**: Expedition 55 and Expedition 56
- **Classification**: International Space Station experiment
- **NASA Experiment ID**: 7596
- **Primary Objective**: Study the hot galactic halo, a diffuse region of high-energy gas surrounding the Milky Way

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of the HaloSat mission?
A: HaloSat was designed to study the hot gas in the Milky Way's galactic halo, providing insights into the diffuse, high-energy environment surrounding our galaxy.

### Q: Where was HaloSat deployed?
A: HaloSat was launched to the International Space Station (ISS) and operated as part of Expedition 55 and 56.

### Q: How long did the HaloSat mission last?
A: The mission ran from February 27, 2018, to October 4, 2018.

### Q: What type of satellite was HaloSat?
A: HaloSat was a CubeSat, a miniaturized satellite composed of 10cm-sided cubic modules.

### Q: Who funded or operated HaloSat?
A: The mission was conducted by the United States as part of NASA's ISS experiments.

## Why It Matters
HaloSat played a crucial role in advancing our understanding of the Milky Way's galactic halo, a region filled with diffuse, high-energy gas. By studying this poorly understood area, the mission contributed to astrophysical research, helping scientists map the distribution and properties of the halo's hot gas. As a CubeSat, HaloSat demonstrated the effectiveness of miniaturized satellites in conducting complex space science missions. Its findings provided valuable data for models of galactic evolution and the behavior of interstellar matter. The mission also highlighted the potential of ISS-based CubeSats for future space exploration and research.

## Notable For
- **First CubeSat to study the galactic halo**: HaloSat was one of the first CubeSats to focus on this region, expanding the capabilities of small satellites in astrophysics.
- **ISS-based operation**: It was the first CubeSat to operate as an ISS experiment, leveraging the station's resources for scientific research.
- **Short mission duration**: Despite its brief operational period, HaloSat achieved its primary scientific objectives.
- **Contribution to galactic research**: The mission provided critical data on the hot gas in the Milky Way's halo, aiding in the study of galactic structure and evolution.
- **Demonstration of CubeSat utility**: HaloSat showcased the potential of CubeSats for conducting high-impact space science missions.

## Body
### Mission Overview
HaloSat was a CubeSat mission designed to study the hot gas in the Milky Way's galactic halo. The galactic halo is a diffuse region surrounding the Milky Way, filled with high-energy gas that plays a role in galactic evolution. HaloSat aimed to map and analyze this gas, providing insights into its distribution and properties.

### Deployment and Operation
HaloSat was launched to the International Space Station (ISS) and operated as part of Expedition 55 and 56. It was deployed in February 2018 and concluded its mission in October 2018. The mission duration was relatively short but sufficient to achieve its scientific goals.

### Technical Specifications
HaloSat was a CubeSat, a type of miniaturized satellite composed of 10cm-sided cubic modules. This design allowed it to be compact and cost-effective while still capable of conducting complex scientific observations.

### Scientific Contributions
HaloSat's primary objective was to study the hot gas in the galactic halo. By analyzing this gas, the mission contributed to our understanding of galactic structure and evolution. The data collected by HaloSat provided valuable insights into the behavior of interstellar matter in the Milky Way.

### Significance in Space Science
HaloSat demonstrated the potential of CubeSats for conducting high-impact space science missions. Its success as an ISS experiment highlighted the utility of small satellites in advancing astrophysical research. The mission also contributed to the broader field of galactic studies, helping scientists refine models of the Milky Way's structure.