# Microvariability and Oscillations of Stars

> smallsat space telescope

**Wikidata**: [Q24626](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q24626)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MOST_(spacecraft))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/microvariability-and-oscillations-of-stars

## Summary
Microvariability and Oscillations of Stars (MOST) is a Canadian small satellite space telescope launched in 2003 to study stellar microvariability and oscillations. It was the first Canadian scientific satellite launched since 1971 and operates in low Earth orbit.

## Key Facts
- Launched on June 30, 2003 at 14:15:26 UTC from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 133
- Operated by the Canadian Space Agency and Microsat Systems Canada Inc.
- Has a mass of 57 kilograms and dimensions of 66 cm × 65 cm × 20 cm
- Equipped with a Maksutov telescope for astronomical observations
- Launched aboard a Rokot rocket with Briz-KM upper stage
- Has a COSPAR ID of 2003-031D and NSSDCA ID of 2003-031D
- Designed to study stellar microvariability and oscillations in low Earth orbit

## FAQs
### Q: What is the main purpose of MOST?
A: MOST is designed to study stellar microvariability and oscillations, allowing astronomers to probe the internal structure of stars by measuring tiny variations in their brightness.

### Q: Who operates the MOST space telescope?
A: MOST is operated by both the Canadian Space Agency and Microsat Systems Canada Inc., with the satellite manufactured by Microsat Systems Canada Inc.

### Q: How big is the MOST satellite?
A: MOST has dimensions of 66 cm × 65 cm × 20 cm and weighs 57 kilograms, making it a compact smallsat space telescope.

## Why It Matters
MOST represents a significant achievement in Canadian space science as the first Canadian scientific satellite launched in over three decades. Its ability to detect extremely subtle variations in stellar brightness has provided astronomers with unprecedented insights into stellar interiors and evolution. By operating in low Earth orbit, MOST can continuously monitor target stars for extended periods, detecting oscillations that would be impossible to observe from Earth's surface. The mission has demonstrated the viability of small, cost-effective space telescopes for high-precision astronomical research, paving the way for similar missions and advancing our understanding of stellar physics. MOST's success has also contributed to Canada's reputation in space technology and astronomical research.

## Notable For
- First Canadian scientific satellite launched since 1971
- Pioneer in using small satellites for high-precision stellar photometry
- Demonstrated the feasibility of long-term continuous stellar monitoring from space
- Provided unique data on stellar oscillations that cannot be obtained from ground-based observations
- Successfully operated for over 15 years, far exceeding its original mission duration

## Body
### Technical Specifications
MOST features a Maksutov telescope with a 15-centimeter aperture, optimized for high-precision photometry. The satellite's compact design allows it to fit within the small payload capacity of its launch vehicle while maintaining the stability required for precise astronomical measurements.

### Mission History
Launched on June 30, 2003, aboard a Russian Rokot rocket from Plesetsk Cosmodrome, MOST was initially planned as a one-year mission but has continued operations for many years beyond its expected lifespan. The satellite operates in a Sun-synchronous low Earth orbit, allowing it to maintain consistent viewing conditions for its target stars.

### Scientific Contributions
MOST has made significant contributions to stellar astrophysics by detecting and analyzing stellar oscillations, which provide information about stellar interiors. The telescope can measure brightness variations as small as a few parts per million, enabling the study of stellar structure, composition, and evolution. Its continuous monitoring capability has been particularly valuable for observing stellar phenomena that require long observation periods.

### Operational Characteristics
The satellite's pointing stability and precision photometry capabilities allow it to detect brightness variations in stars that are 100 times smaller than what can be achieved from ground-based telescopes. MOST's data has been used to study various types of stars, including those similar to our Sun, as well as more exotic stellar objects.

## Schema Markup
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  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Microvariability and Oscillations of Stars",
  "description": "Canadian small satellite space telescope launched in 2003 to study stellar microvariability and oscillations",
  "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MOST_(spacecraft)",
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## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/most.htm)
2. [Source](http://www.mscinc.ca/products/most.html)
3. Jonathan's Space Report
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013