# Near Earth Object Surveillance Satellite

> asteroid monitoring microsatellite from Canada

**Wikidata**: [Q840936](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q840936)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Near_Earth_Object_Surveillance_Satellite)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/near-earth-object-surveillance-satellite

## Summary
The Near Earth Object Surveillance Satellite (NEOSSat) is an asteroid-monitoring microsatellite from Canada that functions as a space telescope and technology demonstration spacecraft. Launched in 2013, it is operated by the Canadian Space Agency to detect and track near-Earth objects (asteroids) as well as satellites in high Earth orbit.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** It is classified as both a **space telescope** and a **technology demonstration spacecraft**.
- **Launch Date:** Launched on **February 25, 2013**, at 12:31 UTC.
- **Launch Site:** Satish Dhawan Space Centre First Launch Pad.
- **Launch Vehicle:** Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (flight model PSLV-C20).
- **Operator:** Canadian Space Agency.
- **Manufacturer:** Microsat Systems Canada Inc.
- **Mass:** **74 kilograms** (launch weight).
- **Dimensions:** Measures **137 cm** in length, **78 cm** in width, and **38 cm** in height.
- **Instrumentation:** Equipped with a **Maksutov telescope**.
- **Identifiers:** COSPAR ID 2013-009D; SCN 39089; Minor Planet Center observatory code C53.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary purpose of the Near Earth Object Surveillance Satellite?
A: NEOSSat is designed primarily for asteroid monitoring. As a space telescope, it conducts surveillance of near-Earth objects (NEOs) and also monitors satellites in high Earth orbit, serving as a dual-purpose technology demonstrator.

### Q: Who built and operates NEOSSat?
A: The satellite was manufactured by Microsat Systems Canada Inc. and is operated by the Canadian Space Agency.

### Q: How was NEOSSat launched into space?
A: It was launched aboard a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C20) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in India on February 25, 2013.

## Why It Matters
The Near Earth Object Surveillance Satellite represents a significant stride in compact, cost-effective space surveillance. By combining the roles of a space telescope and a technology demonstrator within a microsatellite frame, NEOSSat showcases the capability of smaller spacecraft to perform complex astronomical observations typically reserved for larger platforms. Weighing only 74 kilograms, it provides critical data for planetary defense by tracking asteroids that may pose a threat to Earth. Furthermore, its ability to monitor satellites in high Earth orbit enhances space situational awareness. The mission highlights the increasing accessibility of deep-space monitoring technologies for national space agencies like the Canadian Space Agency.

## Notable For
- Being a dedicated **asteroid monitoring** microsatellite.
- Dual functionality as both a **space telescope** and a **technology demonstration spacecraft**.
- Utilizing a **Maksutov telescope** optical system.
- Launch aboard the Indian **Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)**.
- Operation by the **Canadian Space Agency**.

## Body
### Mission Profile
The Near Earth Object Surveillance Satellite (NEOSSat) is a Canadian microsatellite initiated to demonstrate experimental technologies in space. Its core mission involves the detection and monitoring of asteroids (Near Earth Objects) and the surveillance of resident space objects. The satellite conducts these observations from orbit, unaffected by the Earth's atmosphere, allowing for continuous monitoring.

### Technical Specifications
NEOSSat is a compact spacecraft with a launch mass of 74 kilograms. Its physical structure measures 137 centimeters in length, 78 centimeters in width, and 38 centimeters in height. The primary scientific instrument onboard is a Maksutov telescope, a type of catadioptric telescope that uses mirrors and lenses to form an image.

### Launch and Deployment
The spacecraft was successfully launched on February 25, 2013, at 12:31 UTC. The launch took place at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre First Launch Pad. It was deployed using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (specifically the PSLV-C20 variant), an expendable launch system developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

### Administration and Identifiers
NEOSSat is property of the Canadian Space Agency and was manufactured by Microsat Systems Canada Inc. It is tracked internationally under the COSPAR ID 2013-009D and the Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) 39089. In the context of astronomical observation, it is assigned the Minor Planet Center observatory code C53.

## References

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