# NOAA-12

> 21263

**Wikidata**: [Q55624485](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q55624485)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NOAA-12)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/noaa-12

## Summary
NOAA-12 is a U.S. weather satellite launched on May 14, 1991, to monitor atmospheric and environmental conditions. Identified by COSPAR ID 1991-032A and satellite catalog number 21263, it operated as part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) fleet, providing critical data for weather forecasting and climate research. It was deployed using an Atlas E/F launch vehicle.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: May 14, 1991
- **Launch Vehicle**: Atlas E/F
- **COSPAR ID**: 1991-032A
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 21263
- **Instance Of**: Weather satellite
- **Preceded and Succeeded By**: NOAA-14
- **Operator**: United States (NOAA)
- **Wikipedia Title**: NOAA-12

## FAQs
### Q: When was NOAA-12 launched?
A: NOAA-12 was launched on May 14, 1991, aboard an Atlas E/F rocket.

### Q: What was the primary mission of NOAA-12?
A: NOAA-12 was designed to monitor global weather patterns, atmospheric conditions, and environmental data to support forecasting and climate studies.

### Q: What satellite followed NOAA-12?
A: NOAA-12 was both preceded and succeeded by NOAA-14, another satellite in the NOAA series.

## Why It Matters
NOAA-12 played a key role in the U.S. weather monitoring infrastructure during the early 1990s, contributing to the continuity of data collection for meteorological research and operational forecasting. As part of the NOAA satellite series, it helped maintain critical observational capabilities, ensuring uninterrupted coverage of atmospheric and oceanic conditions. Its launch reinforced the importance of satellite-based Earth observation for understanding weather systems, tracking climate trends, and issuing timely warnings for severe weather events. This mission supported both scientific research and public safety initiatives, underscoring the practical applications of space-based Earth science.

## Notable For
- **Launch Vehicle**: Utilized the Atlas E/F expendable launch system, a reliable rocket for NASA and NOAA missions.
- **Operational Continuity**: Ensured data continuity between NOAA-11 and NOAA-14, minimizing gaps in weather monitoring.
- **Identification**: Designated by the unique COSPAR ID 1991-032A and SCN 21263 for tracking and cataloging purposes.
- **International Collaboration**: Contributed to global weather datasets, supporting international meteorological efforts.

## Body
### Launch and Deployment
NOAA-12 was launched on May 14, 1991, using an Atlas E/F rocket, a U.S. expendable launch vehicle known for its reliability in deploying scientific and weather satellites. The satellite was assigned the international COSPAR designation 1991-032A and the satellite catalog number 21263.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mission Type**: Operational weather satellite
- **Launch Vehicle**: Atlas E/F
- **Primary Instruments**: Designed for atmospheric monitoring, including temperature, humidity, and cloud pattern tracking

### Mission and Operations
NOAA-12 operated as part of a series of polar-orbiting satellites tasked with providing daily global coverage of weather systems. Its mission focused on collecting data to improve short-term weather forecasts and long-term climate studies. The satellite worked in tandem with other NOAA spacecraft, such as NOAA-11 and NOAA-14, to ensure continuous monitoring capabilities.

### Legacy
Though NOAA-12’s operational lifespan was followed by NOAA-14, its contributions to the NOAA satellite constellation were vital for maintaining data streams used by meteorologists, researchers, and policymakers. Its launch in 1991 marked a continuation of U.S. efforts to leverage space-based assets for Earth observation, a cornerstone of modern environmental science and disaster preparedness.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report