# Ørsted

> Danish satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q3044961](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3044961)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ørsted_(satellite))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/rsted

## Summary
Ørsted is a Danish satellite launched in 1999, designed to monitor Earth's magnetosphere and related regions. It was named after the Danish physicist Hans Christian Ørsted and was built by Computer Resources International. The satellite was launched aboard a Delta II rocket and operated using a solar array.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: February 23, 1999, at 10:29:55 UTC from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2 West.
- **Mass**: 60.8 kilograms.
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array with a power output of 54 watts.
- **Operator**: Terma A/S.
- **Manufacturer**: Computer Resources International.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Delta II (model D-267).
- **Named After**: Hans Christian Ørsted, a Danish physicist.
- **Country of Origin**: Denmark.
- **Classification**: Geomagnetic satellite and artificial satellite of the Earth.
- **COSPAR ID**: 1999-008B.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of the Ørsted satellite?
A: The Ørsted satellite was designed to monitor Earth's magnetosphere and related regions, providing data on geomagnetic fields and their variations.

### Q: Who built the Ørsted satellite?
A: The Ørsted satellite was built by Computer Resources International, with Terma A/S operating it.

### Q: How was the Ørsted satellite powered?
A: The satellite was powered by a spacecraft solar array with a power output of 54 watts.

### Q: What launch vehicle was used to deploy the Ørsted satellite?
A: The Ørsted satellite was launched aboard a Delta II rocket (model D-267) on February 23, 1999.

### Q: What is the significance of the Ørsted satellite?
A: The Ørsted satellite was significant as the first Danish scientific satellite, contributing to the study of Earth's magnetic field and geomagnetic phenomena.

## Why It Matters
The Ørsted satellite holds historical significance as Denmark's first scientific satellite. Launched in 1999, it was designed to study Earth's magnetosphere, providing valuable data on geomagnetic fields and their variations. The satellite's mission contributed to our understanding of space weather and its impact on Earth's environment. Its success marked a milestone in Danish space exploration and demonstrated the country's capability in scientific research and satellite technology. The Ørsted satellite's legacy continues to influence geomagnetic studies and space research, showcasing Denmark's role in advancing scientific knowledge.

## Notable For
- **First Danish Scientific Satellite**: Ørsted was Denmark's first dedicated scientific satellite, marking a significant achievement in the country's space program.
- **Geomagnetic Monitoring**: It provided critical data on Earth's magnetosphere, contributing to the study of geomagnetic fields and space weather.
- **Technological Innovation**: The satellite demonstrated advanced satellite technology and solar power systems, setting a precedent for future Danish space missions.
- **International Collaboration**: Ørsted's development involved collaboration between Danish and international partners, showcasing cross-border scientific cooperation.
- **Long-Term Data Contribution**: The satellite's data has been used for decades, continuing to support research in geomagnetism and space physics.

## Body
### Overview
Ørsted is a Danish satellite launched on February 23, 1999, aboard a Delta II rocket. It was named after the Danish physicist Hans Christian Ørsted and was built by Computer Resources International. The satellite was operated by Terma A/S and was designed to monitor Earth's magnetosphere and related regions.

### Design and Specifications
- **Mass**: The satellite weighed 60.8 kilograms.
- **Power Source**: It was powered by a spacecraft solar array with a power output of 54 watts.
- **Launch Details**: The launch occurred at 10:29:55 UTC from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2 West.
- **Launch Vehicle**: The Delta II rocket (model D-267) was used for the deployment.

### Mission and Achievements
- **Primary Objective**: To study Earth's magnetosphere and geomagnetic fields.
- **Scientific Contributions**: Ørsted provided valuable data on geomagnetic variations and space weather, contributing to scientific research.
- **Historical Significance**: It marked Denmark's entry into the field of scientific satellite missions.

### Legacy and Impact
- **Ongoing Research**: The satellite's data continues to be used in geomagnetic studies and space physics.
- **Technological Heritage**: Ørsted's design and technology have influenced subsequent Danish and international satellite missions.
- **Educational Value**: The satellite's mission has inspired interest in space science and technology in Denmark.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/oersted.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1999-008B)
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013