# OV1-15

> OV1-15, also referred to as Solar Perturbation of Atmospheric Density Experimental Satellite, was designed to study synoptically the fluctuations of atmospheric density, composition, and temperature as a function of solar magnetospheric disturbances.

**Wikidata**: [Q113148166](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q113148166)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OV1-15)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ov1-15

## Summary
OV1-15 is a scientific spacecraft launched in 1968, also known as the Solar Perturbation of Atmospheric Density Experimental Satellite (SPADES). It was specifically designed to synoptically study fluctuations in atmospheric density, composition, and temperature in relation to solar magnetospheric disturbances.

## Key Facts
- **Full Name:** Solar Perturbation of Atmospheric Density Experimental Satellite (SPADES)
- **Instance Of:** Spacecraft
- **Launch Date:** July 11, 1968
- **Launch Vehicle:** Atlas E/F (American expendable launch vehicle)
- **COSPAR ID:** 1968-059A
- **NSSDCA ID:** 1968-059A
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 03318
- **Aliases:** SPADES 1968-059A, ARSP 68-1, PL-682F

## FAQs
### Q: What was the primary purpose of the OV1-15 satellite?
A: The OV1-15 satellite was designed to conduct a synoptic study of the Earth's atmosphere. It measured fluctuations in atmospheric density, composition, and temperature to determine how they are affected by solar magnetospheric disturbances.

### Q: When was OV1-15 launched and what vehicle was used?
A: OV1-15 was launched on July 11, 1968. It was carried into space by an Atlas E/F, which is a type of American expendable launch vehicle.

### Q: What does the acronym SPADES stand for in relation to this satellite?
A: SPADES stands for Solar Perturbation of Atmospheric Density Experimental Satellite. This name reflects the spacecraft's mission to study solar-driven changes in the atmosphere.

## Why It Matters
OV1-15, or SPADES, provided a specialized platform for understanding the complex relationship between solar activity and the Earth's upper atmosphere. By studying atmospheric density, composition, and temperature as a function of solar magnetospheric disturbances, the mission contributed to the scientific understanding of how the sun's energy interacts with the planet's environment. This data is essential for modeling atmospheric behavior and understanding the physical processes that drive fluctuations in the magnetosphere. The mission utilized the Atlas E/F launch system, representing a significant era of American space exploration and atmospheric research.

## Notable For
- **Synoptic Research:** Designed for the simultaneous study of multiple atmospheric variables including density, composition, and temperature.
- **Solar-Atmospheric Correlation:** Specifically focused on identifying fluctuations as a direct function of solar magnetospheric disturbances.
- **Multiple Designations:** Recognized in various catalogs and programs under the names SPADES, ARSP 68-1, and PL-682F.

## Body
### Mission Objectives
The OV1-15 mission was centered on atmospheric science. Its primary goal was to observe and record fluctuations in the Earth's atmosphere synoptically. The research focused on three specific areas:
*   **Atmospheric Density:** Measuring how the thickness of the atmosphere changes.
*   **Composition:** Analyzing the chemical and elemental makeup of the atmosphere.
*   **Temperature:** Monitoring thermal variations.

These observations were analyzed specifically as a function of solar magnetospheric disturbances to better understand the sun's influence on the Earth's near-space environment.

### Launch and Technical Details
OV1-15 was launched on July 11, 1968. The mission utilized the Atlas E/F launch vehicle, a class of American expendable launch vehicles. The spacecraft is tracked under several identification systems:
*   **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 03318
*   **COSPAR ID:** 1968-059A
*   **NSSDCA ID:** 1968-059A

### Nomenclature and Identification
The spacecraft is known by several aliases depending on the agency or program referencing it. While its primary designation is OV1-15, it is frequently referred to as SPADES (Solar Perturbation of Atmospheric Density Experimental Satellite). Other technical aliases include ARSP 68-1 and PL-682F.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report