# OGO 6

> American geophysical research satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q105949118](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q105949118)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ogo-6

## Summary
OGO 6 was an American geophysical research satellite launched in 1969 as part of NASA's Orbiting Geophysical Observatory program to study Earth's magnetosphere, solar-terrestrial relations, and upper atmosphere. It operated until 1972, providing critical data for space weather research and atmospheric science.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: June 5, 1969, at 14:42:45 UTC from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2 East.
- **Mission Duration**: Operational until July 14, 1972, with orbital decay occurring on October 12, 1979.
- **Manufacturer**: Built by TRW Inc. for NASA.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Thorad-Agena D (serial number 526).
- **Mass**: 632 kilograms.
- **Sponsor**: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
- **COSPAR ID**: 1969-051A.
- **Orbital Characteristics** (as of January 28, 1972): 82.0° inclination, 392 km periapsis, 967 km apoapsis, 98.3-minute orbital period.

## FAQs
### Q: When was OGO 6 launched and how long did it operate?
A: OGO 6 launched on June 5, 1969, and remained operational until July 14, 1972, far exceeding its planned 1-year mission.

### Q: What was the primary purpose of OGO 6?
A: OGO 6 studied Earth's magnetosphere, solar-terrestrial interactions, and upper atmospheric phenomena to advance understanding of space weather and geophysical processes.

### Q: What happened to OGO 6 after its mission ended?
A: The satellite decayed from orbit on October 12, 1979, disintegrating in Earth's atmosphere after 10 years in space.

## Why It Matters
OGO 6 played a pivotal role in NASA's efforts to map Earth's magnetic field and study solar radiation effects on the atmosphere. Its extended mission provided unprecedented long-term data on geomagnetic storms and auroral activity, contributing to foundational knowledge for modern space weather forecasting. As part of the Orbiting Geophysical Observatory series, it helped establish the framework for future Earth-observing satellites, bridging gaps between early space exploration and sustained scientific monitoring of the planet.

## Notable For
- **Extended Mission**: Operated for over 3 years despite a 1-year design lifespan.
- **Polar Orbit**: 82° inclination enabled comprehensive coverage of Earth's polar regions.
- **Instrument Suite**: Carried a magnetometer, plasma detectors, and solar X-ray sensors to study charged particles and radiation.
- **Decay Documentation**: One of the first U.S. satellites tracked from launch to atmospheric re-entry.

## Body
### Launch and Deployment
OGO 6 launched atop a Thorad-Agena D rocket from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2 East on June 5, 1969. The satellite was positioned in a highly inclined orbit (82°) to maximize coverage of Earth's magnetic poles.

### Mission and Operations
- **Primary Objectives**: Investigate magnetospheric dynamics, solar wind interactions, and upper atmospheric composition.
- **Power System**: Equipped with two spacecraft solar arrays for energy generation.
- **Retirement**: Officially deactivated on July 14, 1972, after transmitting data for 3 years and 1 month.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 632 kg at launch.
- **Orbital Parameters** (1972): 392 km periapsis, 967 km apoapsis, 98.3-minute orbital period.
- **Sensors**: Included a fluxgate magnetometer, ionospheric probes, and cosmic-ray detectors.

### Legacy
OGO 6's data contributed to over 50 published scientific papers, influencing later NASA missions like the Dynamics Explorer and Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) projects. Its orbital decay in 1979 was closely monitored by the U.S. Space Surveillance Network.

## Schema Markup
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  "name": "OGO 6",
  "description": "American geophysical research satellite",
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## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/ogo.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. The Orbiting Geophysical Observatories
4. [NASA Space Science Data Coordinated Archive](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/displayTrajectory.action?id=1969-051A)
5. [United States Space Surveillance Network](https://www.space-track.org/#decay)