# Orbiting Solar Observatory 8

> solar space observatory

**Wikidata**: [Q4045602](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4045602)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/orbiting-solar-observatory-8

## Summary
Orbiting Solar Observatory 8 (OSO 8) was a solar space observatory launched by NASA in 1975. It was part of the Orbiting Solar Observatory series and operated until its atmospheric re-entry in 1986. The satellite was designed to study solar phenomena, contributing to our understanding of the Sun's behavior.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: June 21, 1975, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17.
- **Mass**: 4,280 kilograms.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Delta 1000.
- **Manufacturer**: Hughes Aircraft Company.
- **Operator**: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
- **Country of Origin**: United States.
- **Part of Series**: Orbiting Solar Observatory.
- **Predecessor**: Orbiting Solar Observatory 7.
- **Atmospheric Re-entry**: July 9, 1986.
- **Classification**: Artificial satellite.
- **COSPAR ID**: 1975-057A.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Orbiting Solar Observatory 8?
A: OSO 8 was designed to study solar phenomena, including solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and other solar activities, contributing to our understanding of the Sun's behavior.

### Q: Who launched Orbiting Solar Observatory 8?
A: OSO 8 was launched by NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, on June 21, 1975.

### Q: What was the launch vehicle used for Orbiting Solar Observatory 8?
A: The satellite was launched using the Delta 1000, a series of American expendable launch systems.

### Q: When did Orbiting Solar Observatory 8 re-enter the atmosphere?
A: OSO 8 re-entered the Earth's atmosphere on July 9, 1986.

### Q: What was the mass of Orbiting Solar Observatory 8?
A: The satellite had a mass of 4,280 kilograms.

## Why It Matters
Orbiting Solar Observatory 8 played a crucial role in advancing solar science. As part of NASA's Orbiting Solar Observatory series, it provided valuable data on solar phenomena, including solar flares and coronal mass ejections. This information was essential for understanding space weather and its potential impacts on Earth's technology and astronauts. The satellite's contributions helped scientists develop better models for predicting solar activity and its effects on space missions and communications. Despite its relatively short operational life, OSO 8's findings laid the groundwork for future solar observatories and enhanced our knowledge of the Sun's dynamic behavior.

## Notable For
- **Solar Research**: Provided critical data on solar flares and coronal mass ejections.
- **Part of a Series**: Continued the legacy of the Orbiting Solar Observatory program.
- **NASA Collaboration**: Demonstrated the agency's commitment to solar science.
- **Technological Advancement**: Utilized the Delta 1000 launch vehicle, contributing to launch system development.
- **International Significance**: Represented a collaborative effort between NASA and Hughes Aircraft Company.

## Body
### Overview
Orbiting Solar Observatory 8 (OSO 8) was the eighth satellite in NASA's Orbiting Solar Observatory series, designed to study the Sun's atmosphere and solar phenomena. Launched on June 21, 1975, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17, it was part of a long-term effort to monitor solar activity.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: The satellite weighed 4,280 kilograms.
- **Launch Vehicle**: It was launched using the Delta 1000, a series of American expendable launch systems.
- **Manufacturer**: Hughes Aircraft Company was responsible for the satellite's construction.

### Mission Details
- **Launch Date**: June 21, 1975.
- **Operator**: NASA managed the mission.
- **Country of Origin**: The United States.
- **COSPAR ID**: 1975-057A.

### Scientific Contributions
OSO 8 contributed to solar science by observing solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and other solar activities. Its data was crucial for understanding space weather and its effects on Earth and space technology.

### End of Mission
- **Atmospheric Re-entry**: The satellite re-entered the Earth's atmosphere on July 9, 1986, marking the end of its operational life.

### Classification
- **Artificial Satellite**: OSO 8 was classified as an artificial satellite, designed to orbit Earth for scientific research.

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  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Orbiting Solar Observatory 8",
  "description": "A solar space observatory launched by NASA in 1975 as part of the Orbiting Solar Observatory series.",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7970", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orbiting_Solar_Observatory_8"],
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## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/displayTrajectory.action?id=1975-057A)
3. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1975-057A)