# ISEE-1

> space probe used to study magnetic fields near the Earth

**Wikidata**: [Q16063700](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16063700)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISEE-1)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/isee-1

## Summary
ISEE-1 is a space probe designed to study magnetic fields near Earth. Launched on October 22, 1977, it operated in a halo orbit for approximately 10 years before its orbit decayed in 1987.

## Key Facts
- ISEE-1 is a space probe used to study magnetic fields near Earth
- Launch date: October 22, 1977
- Launch vehicle: Delta 2000
- Launch site: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17
- Satellite of: halo orbit
- NSSDCA ID: 1977-102A
- COSPAR ID: 1977-102A
- Spacecraft class: vehicle designed to fly in space
- Time of orbit decay: 1987
- Associated Wikipedia languages: English, Spanish, Galician, Portuguese

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of ISEE-1?
A: ISEE-1 was a space probe specifically designed to study magnetic fields near Earth. The spacecraft collected data on the Earth's magnetosphere, helping scientists understand how solar wind interacts with Earth's magnetic field.

### Q: When and where was ISEE-1 launched?
A: ISEE-1 was launched on October 22, 1977, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17 using a Delta 2000 launch vehicle.

### Q: How long did ISEE-1 remain operational?
A: ISEE-1 operated from 1977 until 1987 when its orbit decayed. The spacecraft was active for approximately 10 years.

### Q: What orbit did ISEE-1 follow?
A: ISEE-1 operated in a halo orbit around the Earth, which provided a unique vantage point for studying magnetic fields.

## Why It Matters
ISEE-1 significantly advanced our understanding of Earth's magnetic environment and its interaction with solar wind. As part of the International Sun-Earth Explorer program, it provided critical data that helped scientists model magnetospheric processes and develop better space weather prediction models. The spacecraft's observations contributed to understanding geomagnetic storms, which can affect satellite operations, power grids, and communication systems on Earth. ISEE-1's successful operation in a halo orbit demonstrated a new approach to spacecraft positioning that allowed for continuous observations of the magnetosphere-solar wind boundary. The data collected formed the foundation for decades of magnetospheric research.

## Notable For
- Pioneered detailed study of Earth's magnetosphere through specialized magnetic field instruments
- Operated in a halo orbit, providing a unique vantage point for observing the magnetosphere-solar wind interface
- Was part of the first three-spacecraft mission to study solar-terrestrial relationships (ISEE-1, ISEE-2, and ISEE-3)
- Collected data for approximately 10 years (1977-1987)

## Body
### Mission Overview
ISEE-1 (International Sun-Earth Explorer 1) was a space probe specifically designed to study Earth's magnetic fields and magnetosphere. The spacecraft was launched on October 22, 1977, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17 using a Delta 2000 launch vehicle. ISEE-1 operated in a halo orbit, which provided a stable position for observing the interaction between solar wind and Earth's magnetic field.

### Technical Specifications
- Class: Spacecraft (vehicle or machine designed to fly in space)
- COSPAR ID: 1977-102A
- NSSDCA ID: 1977-102A
- Freebase ID: /m/0zmyw4_
- Wikipedia title: ISEE-1
- Wikimedia Commons category: ISEE-1

### Mission Timeline
- October 22, 1977: Launch from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17
- 1977-1987: Operational phase collecting data on Earth's magnetosphere
- 1987: Orbit decay and reentry into Earth's atmosphere

### Scientific Contributions
ISEE-1 contributed significantly to our understanding of Earth's magnetic environment by providing detailed measurements of the magnetosphere's structure and dynamics. The spacecraft's instruments measured magnetic field variations, particle densities, and energies in different regions of the magnetosphere. This data helped scientists better understand how solar wind interacts with Earth's magnetic field and how geomagnetic storms develop.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report