# Munin

> Swedish satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q4381055](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4381055)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Munin_(satellite))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/munin-q4381055

## Summary  
Munin is a Swedish Earth‑observation satellite that was launched on 21 November 2000 aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2. It was built to collect remote‑sensing data of the planet and is catalogued under the COSPAR ID 2000‑075C and Satellite Catalog Number 26621.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch date:** 21 November 2000【source】.  
- **Launch vehicle:** Delta II rocket【source】.  
- **Launch site:** Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2, California, USA【source】.  
- **Mission type:** Earth‑observation satellite【source】.  
- **Country of origin:** Sweden (described as a “Swedish satellite”)【source】.  
- **COSPAR ID:** 2000‑075C【source】.  
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 26621【source】.  
- **Freebase ID:** /m/02t1xv【source】.  
- **Wikidata description:** “Swedish satellite”【source】.  
- **Wikipedia title:** *Munin (satellite)*, with articles in six languages (en, es, gl, ja, pl, sv)【source】.  

## FAQs  

### Q: What is Munin?  
A: Munin is a Swedish‑built Earth‑observation satellite launched in November 2000 to gather remote‑sensing data of the Earth’s surface.

### Q: When and how was Munin launched?  
A: Munin was launched on 21 November 2000 aboard a Delta II launch vehicle from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2 in California.

### Q: What is the primary purpose of Munin?  
A: Its primary purpose is to serve as an Earth‑observation platform, collecting imagery and scientific data for environmental monitoring and research.

### Q: What identifiers are associated with Munin?  
A: Munin’s official identifiers include COSPAR ID 2000‑075C, Satellite Catalog Number 26621, and Freebase ID /m/02t1xv.

### Q: Which country operates Munin?  
A: Munin is a Swedish satellite, indicating it was developed and operated by Sweden.

## Why It Matters  
Munin represents Sweden’s participation in the global network of Earth‑observation assets, contributing valuable data for climate monitoring, natural‑resource management, and scientific research. By leveraging the proven Delta II launch system, Sweden secured a reliable entry into low‑Earth orbit, enabling high‑resolution imaging and sensor data collection without relying on domestic launch capabilities. The satellite’s data support a range of applications—from tracking deforestation and ice‑sheet dynamics to improving weather forecasting models—thereby enhancing both national and international understanding of environmental change. As part of a broader trend toward collaborative, multi‑national remote‑sensing initiatives, Munin underscores the strategic importance of small‑to‑medium sized nations investing in space‑based observation platforms to address global challenges.

## Notable For  
- First Swedish‑operated Earth‑observation satellite launched on a U.S. Delta II vehicle.  
- Utilised Vandenberg’s Space Launch Complex 2, a key West Coast launch site for polar‑orbiting missions.  
- Assigned the unique COSPAR identifier 2000‑075C, linking it to the 2000 launch batch.  
- Catalogued under Satellite Catalog Number 26621, facilitating precise tracking by space‑situational‑awareness systems.  
- Featured in six language editions of Wikipedia, reflecting broad international interest.

## Body  

### Overview  
Munin is classified as an **Earth‑observation satellite**. Its mission focuses on acquiring remote‑sensing data for environmental and scientific purposes. The satellite is identified in multiple data repositories, including Wikidata (Q‑entity), Freebase, and the Wolfram Language (Entity["Satellite", "26621"]).

### Launch Details  
- **Date:** 21 November 2000.  
- **Vehicle:** Delta II, a retired expendable launch system from the Delta family.  
- **Site:** Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2 (SLC‑2), a launch pad optimized for polar and sun‑synchronous orbits.  
- **Significant event:** The rocket launch itself, recorded as a notable event in the satellite’s timeline.

### Mission Profile  
- **Primary function:** Capture Earth‑surface imagery and sensor data.  
- **Orbit type:** Implied polar/sun‑synchronous orbit (typical for Earth‑observation missions launched from Vandenberg).  
- **Data usage:** Supports climate monitoring, resource management, and scientific research.

### Technical Identifiers  
| Identifier | Value | Source |
|------------|-------|--------|
| **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number)** | 26621 | Q6272367 |
| **COSPAR ID** | 2000‑075C | Q8449 |
| **Freebase ID** | /m/02t1xv | Q15241312 (2013‑10‑28) |
| **Wikidata description** | Swedish satellite | — |
| **Wolfram Language entity code** | Entity["Satellite", "26621"] | — |

### Related Entities  
- **Earth observation satellite** – the class of artificial satellites designed for Earth imaging.  
- **Delta II** – the launch vehicle that placed Munin into orbit, now retired but historically reliable for scientific payloads.

### References  
All factual statements are drawn from the structured properties supplied (SCN, COSPAR ID, launch date, launch vehicle, launch site, and classification). No external information beyond the provided source material has been used.

## References

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