# Polar

> decommissioned NASA geomagnetic research satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q3270306](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3270306)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polar_(satellite))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/polar-q3270306

## Summary
Polar was a decommissioned NASA geomagnetic research satellite launched in 1996 to study Earth's magnetosphere and related regions. It was part of the Global Geospace Science program and operated until its decommissioning in 2008 after 12 productive years.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Geomagnetic satellite designed to monitor Earth's magnetosphere and related regions
- **Launch date**: February 24, 1996, at 11:24:00 UTC from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2 West
- **Launch vehicle**: Delta II (serial number D-233)
- **Mass**:
  - Launch weight: 1,297 kg
  - Dry weight: 1,028 kg
- **Power source**: Spacecraft solar array with a capacity of 440 watts
- **Operator**: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
- **Manufacturer**: Lockheed Martin Space
- **Decommissioning date**: April 2008
- **Part of**: Global Geospace Science and International Solar-Terrestrial Physics Science Initiative
- **Aliases**: Global Geospace Science Polar, Polar Plasma Laboratory (PPL), GGS/Polar, ISTP/Polar

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of the Polar satellite?
A: Polar was designed to study Earth's magnetosphere and related regions, including the auroral zones and radiation belts, to better understand geomagnetic phenomena.

### Q: Who built the Polar satellite?
A: The Polar satellite was built by Lockheed Martin Space under contract for NASA.

### Q: How long did the Polar satellite operate?
A: Polar operated for 12 years before being decommissioned in April 2008.

### Q: What was the launch vehicle for Polar?
A: Polar was launched aboard a Delta II rocket (serial number D-233) on February 24, 1996.

### Q: What was the power source for Polar?
A: Polar was powered by a spacecraft solar array with a capacity of 440 watts.

## Why It Matters
Polar played a crucial role in advancing our understanding of Earth's magnetosphere and its interaction with solar wind. As part of NASA's Global Geospace Science program, it contributed to the International Solar-Terrestrial Physics (ISTP) initiative, which aimed to study the Sun-Earth connection. The satellite's decommissioning in 2008 marked the end of its 12-year mission, during which it provided valuable data on geomagnetic storms, auroras, and radiation belts. Its findings have been instrumental in improving space weather forecasting and enhancing our knowledge of Earth's magnetic environment.

## Notable For
- **Long operational lifespan**: Operated for 12 years, providing extensive data on Earth's magnetosphere.
- **Key contributions to ISTP**: Part of the International Solar-Terrestrial Physics initiative, collaborating with other satellites like Wind.
- **Study of geomagnetic phenomena**: Focused on auroral zones, radiation belts, and solar wind interactions.
- **Built by Lockheed Martin**: The satellite was constructed by Lockheed Martin Space, known for its work on NASA missions.
- **Decommissioned in 2008**: Officially retired after a successful mission, ending its service in April 2008.

## Body
### Overview
Polar was a NASA geomagnetic research satellite launched on February 24, 1996, aboard a Delta II rocket. It was part of the Global Geospace Science program and the International Solar-Terrestrial Physics (ISTP) initiative, designed to study Earth's magnetosphere and its interaction with solar wind.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**:
  - Launch weight: 1,297 kg
  - Dry weight: 1,028 kg
- **Power**: 440-watt spacecraft solar array
- **Manufacturer**: Lockheed Martin Space
- **Launch vehicle**: Delta II (serial number D-233)

### Mission Details
- **Launch date**: February 24, 1996, at 11:24:00 UTC
- **Launch site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2 West
- **Decommissioning date**: April 2008
- **Operational lifespan**: 12 years

### Scientific Contributions
- Studied Earth's magnetosphere, auroral zones, and radiation belts
- Provided data on geomagnetic storms and solar wind interactions
- Contributed to space weather forecasting and understanding of Earth's magnetic environment

### Legacy
- Ended its mission in 2008 after a successful 12-year operational period
- Data from Polar has been used to improve models of Earth's magnetosphere and its response to solar activity

## References

1. [Source](https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2008-04-29-Long-Lived-NASA-Polar-Satellite-Built-by-Lockheed-Martin-Ends-Service-After-12-Productive-Years)
2. [Source](https://directory.eoportal.org/web/eoportal/satellite-missions/p/polar)
3. Jonathan's Space Report
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. [Source](https://www.nasa.gov/topics/earth/features/polar_heart.html)