# INTEGRAL

> currently operational space telescope for observing gamma rays

**Wikidata**: [Q50021](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q50021)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/INTEGRAL)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/integral

## Summary
INTEGRAL (International Gamma-Ray Astrophysics Laboratory) is a currently operational space telescope designed for observing gamma rays. Launched in 2002, it functions as an artificial satellite of the Earth and serves as a premier instrument for observing distant space objects in the gamma-ray spectrum. The mission represents a major collaboration involving the European Space Agency, NASA, and Roscosmos.

## Key Facts
- **Full Name:** International Gamma-Ray Astrophysics Laboratory.
- **Classification:** Space telescope and artificial satellite of the Earth.
- **Launch Date:** October 17, 2002.
- **Launch Vehicle:** Proton-K (Russian carrier rocket).
- **Launch Site:** Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200.
- **Primary Operator:** European Space Agency (ESA), with cooperation from Roscosmos State Corporation and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
- **Manufacturer:** Thales Alenia Space.
- **COSPAR ID:** 2002-048A.
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 27540.
- **Official Website:** http://sci.esa.int/integral/.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary function of the INTEGRAL spacecraft?
A: INTEGRAL is a space telescope specifically designed for observing gamma rays. As an artificial satellite orbiting Earth, it allows scientists to study distant space objects and phenomena that emit high-energy radiation.

### Q: Which organizations are responsible for operating INTEGRAL?
A: The European Space Agency (ESA) is the primary operator. The mission also involves significant collaboration with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Roscosmos State Corporation.

### Q: When and how was INTEGRAL launched?
A: INTEGRAL was launched on October 17, 2002, using a Proton-K rocket. It was deployed from the Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200.

## Why It Matters
INTEGRAL plays a critical role in high-energy astrophysics by providing humanity with a dedicated observatory for the gamma-ray spectrum, which is largely invisible to ground-based telescopes due to the Earth's atmosphere. By orbiting the Earth, INTEGRAL offers a unique vantage point for studying the most energetic events in the universe, such as supernovae, black holes, and neutron stars.

Its significance is underscored by its longevity; launched in 2002 and remaining operational, it has provided decades of continuous data. The mission exemplifies successful international cooperation in space science, combining the technological and scientific resources of ESA, NASA, and Roscosmos. It is managed as part of the broader activities of the Goddard Space Flight Center, serving as a vital tool for astronomers seeking to understand the violent and extreme environments of the universe.

## Notable For
- Being a specialized observatory for **observing gamma rays**, a high-energy spectrum difficult to study from Earth.
- **Operational Longevity:** Launched in 2002 and remains operational as a space telescope.
- **International Collaboration:** A joint project involving major space agencies including ESA, NASA, and Roscosmos.
- **Launch Configuration:** Deployment via the Proton-K, a heavy-lift Russian carrier rocket, from the historic Baikonur Cosmodrome.
- **Manufacturer:** Constructed by Thales Alenia Space, a leading manufacturer of space hardware.

## Body
### Mission Overview
INTEGRAL, formally known as the International Gamma-Ray Astrophysics Laboratory, is classified as a space telescope and an artificial satellite of the Earth. Its primary scientific objective is the observation of gamma rays. The spacecraft was manufactured by Thales Alenia Space and is currently maintained as part of the Goddard Space Flight Center's portfolio of missions.

### Launch and Deployment
The spacecraft was successfully launched on **October 17, 2002**. The launch utilized a **Proton-K** carrier rocket, a Russian rocket previously used for Soviet and Russian space missions. The launch originated from **Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200**. This event is recorded as a significant "rocket launch" event in the mission timeline.

### Operators and Governance
The governance of INTEGRAL is a multi-agency effort. The principal operator is the **European Space Agency (ESA)**. Key operational support and partnership are provided by the **National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)** and the **Roscosmos State Corporation**.

### Technical Identifiers and Data
INTEGRAL is tracked and cataloged by several international scientific and library organizations using the following identifiers:
- **COSPAR ID:** 2002-048A
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 27540
- **NAIF ID:** -198 (used for navigation and geometry calculations)
- **ISNI:** 0000000114820219
- **GND ID:** 5262112-1
- **Library of Congress Authority ID:** n2002012007

### Public Resources
The mission maintains an official website hosted by the European Space Agency (sci.esa.int/integral/). Technical visualizations of the spacecraft are available through Wikimedia Commons, including artist's views of the satellite model. The mission is also documented in the Encyclopædia Britannica under the topic "International Gamma-Ray Astrophysics Laboratory."

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. [Source](https://naif.jpl.nasa.gov/pub/naif/toolkit_docs/C/req/naif_ids.html)