# Solar Anomalous and Magnetospheric Particle Explorer

> NASA space observatory

**Wikidata**: [Q54367](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q54367)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_Anomalous_and_Magnetospheric_Particle_Explorer)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/solar-anomalous-and-magnetospheric-particle-explorer

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for **Solar Anomalous and Magnetospheric Particle Explorer**:

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## Summary  
The Solar Anomalous and Magnetospheric Particle Explorer (SAMPEX) is a NASA space observatory designed to study energetic particles from the Sun and Earth's magnetosphere. Launched in 1992, it was the first satellite in NASA's Small Explorer program and operated for over a decade. SAMPEX provided critical data on solar anomalies and radiation belt dynamics.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date**: July 3, 1992  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Scout G-1 rocket  
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 5  
- **COSPAR ID**: 1992-038A  
- **Aliases**: SAMPEX, Explorer 68, SMEX-1  
- **Programs**: Part of NASA's Explorers Program (mission #68) and the Small Explorer program (mission #1)  
- **Preceded By**: Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer  
- **Succeeded By**: Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (Explorers Program) and Fast Auroral Snapshot Explorer (Small Explorer program)  
- **Satellite Catalog Number**: 22012  
- **Operational Duration**: Over a decade (exact end date not specified in source material)  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was the purpose of SAMPEX?  
A: SAMPEX studied energetic particles from the Sun and Earth's magnetosphere, contributing to understanding solar anomalies and radiation belt behavior.  

### Q: What rocket launched SAMPEX?  
A: It was launched aboard a Scout G-1, an American solid-propellant space launch vehicle.  

### Q: Was SAMPEX part of a larger NASA program?  
A: Yes, it was the first mission in NASA's Small Explorer program and the 68th mission in the broader Explorers Program.  

## Why It Matters  
SAMPEX played a pivotal role in advancing space science by providing long-term observations of solar and magnetospheric particles. Its data helped scientists understand the dynamics of Earth's radiation belts and the impact of solar activity on near-Earth space. As the inaugural mission of the Small Explorer program, SAMPEX demonstrated the feasibility of cost-effective, focused space missions, paving the way for future exploratory satellites. Its contributions remain foundational in space weather research and particle physics.  

## Notable For  
- **First Small Explorer**: SAMPEX was the inaugural mission of NASA's Small Explorer program.  
- **Longevity**: Operated successfully for over a decade, exceeding its expected mission duration.  
- **Scientific Impact**: Provided key insights into solar particle anomalies and magnetospheric interactions.  
- **Cost-Effective**: Demonstrated the viability of low-budget, high-impact space missions.  

## Body  
### Mission Overview  
- Launched on July 3, 1992, from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 5.  
- Primary focus: Study of solar anomalous particles and magnetospheric dynamics.  

### Technical Details  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Scout G-1 rocket.  
- **COSPAR/NSSDCA ID**: 1992-038A.  
- **Satellite Catalog Number**: 22012.  

### Program Context  
- **Explorers Program**: Mission #68.  
- **Small Explorer Program**: Mission #1.  

### Successors  
- Followed by Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (Explorers Program) and Fast Auroral Snapshot Explorer (Small Explorer program).  

### Legacy  
- Data repository available via [LASP website](http://lasp.colorado.edu/sampex/sampex.html).  

## Schema Markup  
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Solar Anomalous and Magnetospheric Particle Explorer",
  "description": "NASA space observatory studying solar and magnetospheric particles.",
  "url": "http://lasp.colorado.edu/sampex/sampex.html",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7554139",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_Anomalous_and_Magnetospheric_Particle_Explorer"
  ],
  "additionalType": "Space Telescope"
}

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013