# MATS

> Swedish research satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q18452038](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q18452038)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MATS_(satellite))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mats

## Summary
MATS is a Swedish research satellite designed for aeronomy, launched on November 4, 2022. Developed by OHB Sweden and multiple Swedish universities, it studies the mesosphere using advanced tomography and spectroscopy instruments. The satellite operates in a sun-synchronous orbit and was funded by the Swedish National Space Agency.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Research satellite
- **Primary Use**: Aeronomy (study of the mesosphere)
- **Launch Date**: November 4, 2022, at 17:27:14 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: Electron (Rocket Lab, flight 32)
- **Launch Site**: Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1B
- **Mass**: 50 kg (launch weight)
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous
- **Manufacturer**: OHB Sweden (general contractor)
- **Spacecraft Bus**: InnoSat-Medium (provided by ÅAC Microtec)
- **Instruments**: Developed by AAC Omnisys
- **Collaborators**: Chalmers University of Technology, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm University
- **Funder**: Swedish National Space Agency
- **Operator**: OHB Sweden
- **Country of Origin**: Sweden
- **SCN**: 54227
- **COSPAR ID**: 2022-147A
- **NSSDCA ID**: 2022-147A

## FAQs
### Q: What does MATS study?
A: MATS focuses on the mesosphere, a layer of Earth's atmosphere, using tomography and spectroscopy to analyze airglow and aerosols.

### Q: Who built MATS?
A: MATS was built by OHB Sweden, with contributions from ÅAC Microtec (spacecraft bus), AAC Omnisys (instruments), and Swedish universities.

### Q: When was MATS launched?
A: MATS was launched on November 4, 2022, at 17:27:14 UTC from Rocket Lab's Launch Complex 1B.

### Q: What is the significance of MATS?
A: MATS is significant for advancing our understanding of the mesosphere, a poorly studied region of the atmosphere, using cutting-edge remote sensing techniques.

### Q: How long has MATS been operational?
A: As of the provided data, MATS was launched in 2022, and its operational status beyond launch is not specified.

## Why It Matters
MATS plays a crucial role in atmospheric research by studying the mesosphere, a region of Earth's atmosphere that remains poorly understood. The satellite uses advanced tomography and spectroscopy to analyze airglow and aerosols, providing valuable data on atmospheric dynamics. Developed by Swedish institutions and OHB Sweden, MATS demonstrates collaboration between academia and industry in space research. Its findings contribute to broader climate and atmospheric science, helping scientists better understand the interactions between different atmospheric layers. The mission highlights Sweden's capabilities in space technology and its commitment to advancing scientific knowledge through satellite missions.

## Notable For
- **First Swedish satellite for mesospheric research**: MATS is the first dedicated satellite mission to study the mesosphere, a critical but understudied layer of Earth's atmosphere.
- **Advanced remote sensing**: Uses tomography and spectroscopy to analyze airglow and aerosols, providing unprecedented data on atmospheric processes.
- **Collaborative development**: Built by OHB Sweden in partnership with Swedish universities, showcasing interdisciplinary collaboration in space research.
- **Sun-synchronous orbit**: Operates in a sun-synchronous orbit, ensuring consistent data collection for long-term atmospheric studies.
- **Swedish-led mission**: Funded and operated by the Swedish National Space Agency, demonstrating Sweden's growing role in space science.

## Body
### Overview
MATS (Mesospheric Airglow/Aerosol Tomography and Spectroscopy) is a Swedish research satellite designed to study the mesosphere, a poorly understood region of Earth's atmosphere. Launched on November 4, 2022, MATS was developed by OHB Sweden in collaboration with Swedish universities and research institutions.

### Mission Objectives
The primary objective of MATS is to conduct aeronomic research, focusing on the mesosphere. The satellite uses advanced tomography and spectroscopy instruments to analyze airglow and aerosols, providing valuable data on atmospheric dynamics and climate interactions.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 50 kg (launch weight)
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous
- **Launch Vehicle**: Electron (Rocket Lab, flight 32)
- **Launch Site**: Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1B
- **Spacecraft Bus**: InnoSat-Medium (provided by ÅAC Microtec)
- **Instruments**: Developed by AAC Omnisys

### Development and Collaboration
MATS was developed by OHB Sweden, with contributions from multiple Swedish institutions:
- **Chalmers University of Technology** (Department of Earth and Space Sciences)
- **Royal Institute of Technology** (Space and Plasma Physics Group)
- **Stockholm University** (Department of Meteorology)

The mission was funded by the Swedish National Space Agency and operated by OHB Sweden.

### Significance
MATS is notable for being the first Swedish satellite dedicated to mesospheric research. Its findings contribute to our understanding of atmospheric processes and climate interactions, highlighting Sweden's capabilities in space science and technology. The mission demonstrates the importance of international collaboration in advancing scientific knowledge through satellite missions.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.ohb-sweden.se/space-missions/mats)
2. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/mats.htm)
3. Jonathan's Space Report