# OSO 3

> solar space observatory

**Wikidata**: [Q7073037](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7073037)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OSO_3)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/oso-3

## Summary
OSO 3 was a solar space observatory launched by NASA on March 8, 1967, as part of the Orbiting Solar Observatory program. It was a 600-kilogram artificial satellite designed to study the Sun from Earth orbit. The spacecraft operated until November 1969 before re-entering Earth's atmosphere on April 4, 1982.

## Key Facts
- Launched on March 8, 1967, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17
- Operated by NASA as part of the Orbiting Solar Observatory program
- Weighed 600 kilograms and was launched aboard a Delta C rocket
- Had a COSPAR ID of 1967-020A and NSSDCA ID of 1967-020A
- Preceded by OSO 2 and succeeded by OSO 4 in the series
- Operated until November 1969 when it experienced a breakdown
- Re-entered Earth's atmosphere on April 4, 1982
- Manufactured by Ball Aerospace & Technologies
- Also known as OSO E1, Orbiting Solar Observatory 3, and Third Orbiting Solar Observatory

## FAQs
### Q: What was OSO 3's primary mission?
A: OSO 3 was designed to study the Sun from Earth orbit as part of NASA's Orbiting Solar Observatory program, conducting solar observations and research.

### Q: How long did OSO 3 operate in space?
A: OSO 3 operated for approximately 2.5 years, from its launch on March 8, 1967, until it experienced a breakdown in November 1969.

### Q: What happened to OSO 3 after it stopped operating?
A: After ceasing operations in November 1969, OSO 3 remained in orbit until April 4, 1982, when it re-entered Earth's atmosphere.

## Why It Matters
OSO 3 represented a significant advancement in solar astronomy and space-based observation technology. As the third satellite in NASA's Orbiting Solar Observatory program, it built upon the successes and lessons learned from previous missions to provide continuous solar monitoring from above Earth's atmosphere. This capability was crucial because Earth's atmosphere blocks many forms of solar radiation, preventing ground-based telescopes from observing the full spectrum of solar activity. The data collected by OSO 3 and its sister satellites helped scientists better understand solar phenomena, including solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and the Sun's magnetic field structure. This knowledge was essential for improving space weather forecasting, which affects satellite operations, communications systems, and even power grids on Earth. The OSO program, including OSO 3, laid the groundwork for future solar observatories and demonstrated the value of long-term, dedicated solar monitoring from space.

## Notable For
- Third satellite in NASA's successful Orbiting Solar Observatory program
- First to demonstrate extended solar observation capabilities from space
- Weighed 600 kilograms, making it a substantial scientific payload for its time
- Operated for over 2.5 years, providing valuable long-term solar data
- Manufactured by Ball Aerospace & Technologies, a pioneer in spacecraft construction

## Body
### Launch and Specifications
OSO 3 was launched on March 8, 1967, aboard a Delta C rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17. The spacecraft had a mass of 600 kilograms and was manufactured by Ball Aerospace & Technologies. It carried the COSPAR ID 1967-020A and NSSDCA ID 1967-020A.

### Mission and Operation
As part of the Orbiting Solar Observatory program, OSO 3 was designed to study the Sun from Earth orbit. The satellite operated until November 1969 when it experienced a breakdown, ending its scientific mission. During its operational period, OSO 3 provided valuable data about solar activity and behavior.

### Program Context
OSO 3 was the third satellite in NASA's Orbiting Solar Observatory series. It followed OSO 2 and was succeeded by OSO 4. The OSO program represented NASA's commitment to continuous solar observation and research from space.

### End of Mission
After ceasing operations in November 1969, OSO 3 remained in orbit for over 12 years. The spacecraft finally re-entered Earth's atmosphere on April 4, 1982, completing its journey in space.

### Technical Legacy
The OSO 3 mission, along with its sister satellites, demonstrated the feasibility and value of dedicated solar observatories in space. This experience informed the design and operation of subsequent solar observation missions and contributed to our understanding of how to conduct long-term astronomical observations from orbit.

## Schema Markup
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  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "OSO 3",
  "description": "OSO 3 was a solar space observatory launched by NASA on March 8, 1967, as part of the Orbiting Solar Observatory program.",
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## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1967-020A)
3. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/displayTrajectory.action?id=1967-020A)