# OSO 5

> solar space observatory

**Wikidata**: [Q16325218](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16325218)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/oso-5

## Summary
OSO 5 is a solar space observatory launched by the United States in 1969 as part of the Orbiting Solar Observatory (OSO) series. It was designed to study solar phenomena, including solar flares and coronal mass ejections, using ultraviolet and X-ray telescopes. The satellite operated until its atmospheric re-entry in 1984.

## Key Facts
- **Instance of**: Artificial satellite
- **Part of**: Orbiting Solar Observatory series
- **Launch date**: January 22, 1969
- **Launch vehicle**: Thor-Delta
- **Launch site**: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17
- **Mass**: 645 kilograms
- **Operator**: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
- **Manufacturer**: Ball Aerospace & Technologies
- **Preceded by**: OSO 4
- **Followed by**: OSO 6
- **Deorbit date**: April 2, 1984
- **COSPAR ID**: 1969-006A
- **NSSDCA ID**: 1969-006A

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of OSO 5?
A: OSO 5 was designed to observe solar phenomena, including solar flares and coronal mass ejections, using ultraviolet and X-ray telescopes.

### Q: Who launched OSO 5?
A: OSO 5 was launched by the United States, operated by NASA, and manufactured by Ball Aerospace & Technologies.

### Q: When was OSO 5 launched and when did it deorbit?
A: OSO 5 was launched on January 22, 1969, and deorbited on April 2, 1984, after re-entering Earth's atmosphere.

### Q: What was the launch vehicle for OSO 5?
A: OSO 5 was launched using a Thor-Delta rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17.

### Q: What was the mass of OSO 5?
A: OSO 5 had a mass of 645 kilograms.

## Why It Matters
OSO 5 was part of NASA's Orbiting Solar Observatory program, which aimed to study the Sun's atmosphere and its influence on space weather. The satellite contributed to our understanding of solar flares and coronal mass ejections, which can impact Earth's magnetosphere and technological systems. Its observations helped scientists develop models for solar activity and its effects on space environments. The OSO series, including OSO 5, provided critical data that advanced solar physics and space weather forecasting. The satellite's successful operation and subsequent deorbit demonstrated the feasibility of long-duration solar observations from space.

## Notable For
- **Part of the OSO series**: OSO 5 was the fifth in a series of solar observatories, following OSO 4 and preceding OSO 6.
- **Solar observations**: It used ultraviolet and X-ray telescopes to study solar flares and coronal mass ejections.
- **Long operational life**: OSO 5 operated for over 15 years, contributing to solar research until its deorbit in 1984.
- **NASA collaboration**: The satellite was a collaborative effort between NASA, Ball Aerospace & Technologies, and the U.S. launch facilities.

## Body
### Overview
OSO 5 was the fifth satellite in NASA's Orbiting Solar Observatory program, designed to study the Sun's atmosphere and its influence on space weather. Launched on January 22, 1969, it was part of a series aimed at advancing solar physics and space weather forecasting.

### Mission Details
- **Primary Objectives**: Observing solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and other solar phenomena using ultraviolet and X-ray telescopes.
- **Operational Period**: OSO 5 operated until April 2, 1984, when it re-entered Earth's atmosphere.
- **Technical Specifications**: Weighing 645 kilograms, it was equipped with advanced instruments to capture detailed solar data.

### Launch and Operation
- **Launch Vehicle**: Thor-Delta rocket
- **Launch Site**: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17
- **Operator**: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
- **Manufacturer**: Ball Aerospace & Technologies

### Significance
- **Contribution to Solar Research**: OSO 5 provided valuable data on solar activity, helping scientists understand its impact on space environments.
- **Long-Duration Mission**: Its extended operational life contributed to the OSO series' success in solar observations.
- **Collaborative Effort**: The mission involved collaboration between NASA, Ball Aerospace, and U.S. launch facilities.

### Legacy
- **Part of the OSO Series**: OSO 5 was preceded by OSO 4 and followed by OSO 6, continuing the program's legacy in solar research.
- **Impact on Space Weather**: Its observations helped develop models for solar activity and its effects on space weather.

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  "description": "A solar space observatory launched by the United States in 1969 as part of the Orbiting Solar Observatory series.",
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## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/displayTrajectory.action?id=1969-006A)
3. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1969-006A)