# Midcourse Space Experiment

> space observatory

**Wikidata**: [Q970807](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q970807)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midcourse_Space_Experiment)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/midcourse-space-experiment

## Summary
The Midcourse Space Experiment (MSX) was a space observatory launched on April 24, 1996, aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2. It was designed to study the Earth's atmosphere, particularly its mesosphere and thermosphere, using infrared sensors to detect missile launches and other phenomena.

## Key Facts
- **Instance of**: Space telescope (instrument in outer space for observing distant space objects)
- **Launch date**: April 24, 1996
- **Launch vehicle**: Delta II (retired expendable launch system)
- **Launch site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2
- **COSPAR ID**: 1996-024A
- **NSSDCA ID**: 1996-024A
- **Aliases**: MSX
- **Wikidata ID**: 23851
- **Wikipedia languages**: Available in 10+ languages (en, de, es, etc.)
- **Significant event**: Rocket launch on April 24, 1996, from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2

## FAQs
### Q: What was the Midcourse Space Experiment (MSX)?
A: The MSX was a space observatory launched in 1996 to study the Earth's atmosphere, particularly its mesosphere and thermosphere, using infrared sensors to detect missile launches and other phenomena.

### Q: What type of rocket was used to launch MSX?
A: The MSX was launched aboard a Delta II rocket, a retired expendable launch system in the Delta rocket family.

### Q: Where was the MSX launched from?
A: The MSX was launched from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2 on April 24, 1996.

### Q: What was the COSPAR ID of the MSX mission?
A: The COSPAR ID of the MSX mission was 1996-024A.

### Q: What was the primary purpose of the MSX?
A: The primary purpose of the MSX was to study the Earth's atmosphere, particularly its mesosphere and thermosphere, using infrared sensors to detect missile launches and other phenomena.

## Why It Matters
The Midcourse Space Experiment (MSX) was a critical space observatory that played a significant role in atmospheric research and missile detection. Launched in 1996, it was equipped with advanced infrared sensors to study the Earth's mesosphere and thermosphere, providing valuable data on atmospheric phenomena. Its mission contributed to the understanding of the upper atmosphere and supported missile defense efforts. The MSX's launch and operations demonstrated the capabilities of space-based infrared observation, paving the way for future atmospheric and defense-related space missions.

## Notable For
- **Infrared atmospheric observation**: Pioneered the use of infrared sensors for studying the Earth's mesosphere and thermosphere.
- **Missile detection**: Contributed to missile defense by detecting and tracking missile launches.
- **Delta II launch**: Successfully launched aboard the Delta II rocket, a retired expendable launch system.
- **Vandenberg launch site**: Launched from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2, a key site for atmospheric and defense-related missions.
- **Multilingual Wikipedia presence**: Available in multiple languages, reflecting its global significance.

## Body
### Overview
The Midcourse Space Experiment (MSX) was a space observatory launched on April 24, 1996, aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2. It was designed to study the Earth's atmosphere, particularly its mesosphere and thermosphere, using infrared sensors to detect missile launches and other phenomena.

### Mission Details
- **Launch date**: April 24, 1996
- **Launch vehicle**: Delta II
- **Launch site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2
- **COSPAR ID**: 1996-024A
- **NSSDCA ID**: 1996-024A
- **Aliases**: MSX
- **Wikidata ID**: 23851

### Significance
The MSX mission was significant for its contributions to atmospheric research and missile detection. Its infrared sensors provided valuable data on the Earth's mesosphere and thermosphere, enhancing our understanding of atmospheric phenomena. The mission also supported missile defense efforts by detecting and tracking missile launches.

### Technical Specifications
- **Instance of**: Space telescope
- **Wikipedia languages**: Available in 10+ languages (en, de, es, etc.)
- **Significant event**: Rocket launch on April 24, 1996, from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2

### Related Entities
- **Space telescope**: Class of instruments used for observing distant space objects.
- **Delta II**: Retired expendable launch system in the Delta rocket family.
- **Toshiba HX-20**: Related entity, though specific details are not provided.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013