# O/OREOS

> NASA nanosatellite with 2 astrobiology experiments on board

**Wikidata**: [Q4356658](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4356658)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O/OREOS)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/o-oreos

## Summary
O/OREOS is a NASA nanosatellite designed to conduct two astrobiology experiments in Earth's orbit. Launched in 2010, it belongs to the CubeSat class of miniaturized satellites, which are constructed from standardized 10cm-sided cubic modules.

## Key Facts
- **Operator:** National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
- **Classification:** CubeSat (nanosatellite)
- **Launch Date:** November 20, 2010
- **Launch Vehicle:** Minotaur IV (an expendable launch system derived from the LGM-118 Peacekeeper ICBM)
- **Launch Site:** Pacific Spaceport Complex – Alaska
- **Scientific Payload:** Two astrobiology experiments
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 37224
- **COSPAR ID:** 2010-062C
- **Dimensions:** Based on the CubeSat standard of 10cm cubic modules

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary purpose of O/OREOS?
A: O/OREOS is a nanosatellite mission dedicated to astrobiology research. It carries two experiments designed to study the effects of orbital stresses on biological and organic materials.

### Q: How was the O/OREOS satellite launched?
A: The satellite was launched on November 20, 2010, from the Pacific Spaceport Complex in Alaska. It was carried into orbit by a Minotaur IV rocket, which is a launch system developed from the LGM-118 Peacekeeper ICBM.

### Q: What makes O/OREOS a "CubeSat"?
A: O/OREOS is classified as a CubeSat because it is a miniaturized satellite built using standardized modules. These modules are cubes measuring 10 centimeters on each side.

## Why It Matters
O/OREOS represents a specialized application of the CubeSat platform for high-level scientific research in astrobiology. By utilizing the miniaturized and modular CubeSat design, NASA demonstrated the ability to conduct complex biological experiments in space at a smaller scale than traditional satellite missions. 

The mission is also significant for its use of the Minotaur IV launch system. By utilizing a launch vehicle derived from the LGM-118 Peacekeeper ICBM, the mission highlights the repurposing of existing aerospace technology for scientific exploration. The data gathered from its two on-board experiments contributes to the broader understanding of how organic substances and organisms respond to the harsh environment of space, which is critical for future long-duration space missions and the study of life's potential beyond Earth.

## Notable For
- **Astrobiology Research:** Specifically engineered to host two distinct experiments focused on biological and organic exposure to orbital stresses.
- **CubeSat Architecture:** Built using the standardized 10cm-sided cubic module system, a hallmark of miniaturized satellite technology.
- **Strategic Launch:** Launched from the Pacific Spaceport Complex in Alaska using a Minotaur IV rocket.
- **NASA Operation:** Managed and operated by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration as part of its nanosatellite initiatives.

## Body

### Mission and Operation
O/OREOS is a nanosatellite operated by NASA. The mission was established to facilitate astrobiology research in a space environment. The spacecraft is officially cataloged under SCN 37224 and COSPAR ID 2010-062C. It is documented in several languages, including English, Spanish, Finnish, and Latvian.

### Technical Design
The spacecraft is an instance of the CubeSat class. CubeSats are defined by their modularity:
*   **Standard Unit:** The satellite is composed of modules that are 10cm cubes.
*   **Miniaturization:** This design allows for a compact, lightweight form factor suitable for secondary payloads on launch vehicles.
*   **Deployment:** The spacecraft features a PADOM (Passive Aerodynamic Drag Orbit Manufacturing) system for orbital management.

### Launch History
O/OREOS was launched on November 20, 2010. The launch took place at the Pacific Spaceport Complex in Alaska. The mission utilized the Minotaur IV launch vehicle, which is an active expendable launch system. This vehicle is notable for being derived from the LGM-118 Peacekeeper, a former Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM).

### Scientific Objectives
The primary payload of O/OREOS consists of two astrobiology experiments. These experiments are designed to monitor and analyze the reactions of organic and biological materials when exposed to the unique stresses of an orbital environment, such as radiation and microgravity.

## References

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