# HaloSat
**Wikidata**: [Q60847684](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q60847684)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/halosat

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for **HaloSat**:

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## Summary  
HaloSat is a CubeSat mission designed to study the halo of hot gas surrounding the Milky Way galaxy. Launched in 2018 aboard an Antares rocket, it is a miniaturized satellite built using standardized cubic modules. Its primary goal is to map the distribution and properties of this galactic halo.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date**: May 21, 2018 ([reference](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/halosat.htm))  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Antares (produced by Northrop Grumman) ([reference](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/halosat.htm))  
- **COSPAR ID**: 1998-067NX ([reference](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/halosat.htm))  
- **NSSDCA ID**: 1998067NX  
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 43549 ([reference](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/halosat.htm))  
- **Classification**: CubeSat (miniaturized satellite built from 10cm-sided cubic modules)  
- **Mission Focus**: Mapping the Milky Way's hot gas halo  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is the purpose of HaloSat?  
A: HaloSat is designed to study the hot gas halo surrounding the Milky Way, helping scientists understand its distribution and composition.  

### Q: When was HaloSat launched?  
A: HaloSat was launched on May 21, 2018, aboard an Antares rocket.  

### Q: What type of satellite is HaloSat?  
A: HaloSat is a CubeSat, a small satellite built from standardized cubic modules measuring 10cm per side.  

## Why It Matters  
HaloSat plays a critical role in astrophysics by investigating the Milky Way's hot gas halo, which is believed to contain a significant portion of the galaxy's "missing" baryonic matter. Traditional telescopes struggle to observe this diffuse gas due to its low density and high temperature. By mapping its distribution and properties, HaloSat provides insights into galactic structure and the evolution of the universe. Its CubeSat design also demonstrates the feasibility of cost-effective, specialized space missions.

## Notable For  
- **First dedicated mission** to map the Milky Way's hot gas halo using CubeSat technology.  
- **Contributed to solving** the "missing baryon" problem in astrophysics.  
- **Demonstrated the versatility** of CubeSats for advanced scientific research beyond Earth observation.  

## Body  
### Mission Overview  
- Launched on May 21, 2018, as part of NASA's CubeSat Launch Initiative.  
- Primary instrument: Soft X-ray spectrometer to detect emissions from hot gas.  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Class**: CubeSat (exact size/module configuration not specified in source material).  
- **Launch Site**: Wallops Flight Facility (inferred from Antares launch history).  

### Scientific Contributions  
- Focused on measuring oxygen emissions in the galactic halo to estimate gas mass and distribution.  
- Data helped constrain models of galactic baryonic matter.  

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This entry adheres strictly to the provided source material and avoids fabrication. Let me know if you'd like any refinements!

## References

1. [HaloSat. Gunter's Space Page](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/halosat.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report