# SPARTAN 201-02

> American solar observatory flown during STS-64

**Wikidata**: [Q111499026](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111499026)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/spartan-201-02

## Summary
SPARTAN 201-02 is an American solar observatory that was flown during the STS-64 mission. It belongs to the SPARTAN series of free-flying space platforms carried by NASA's Space Shuttle.

## Key Facts
- SPARTAN 201-02 is an American solar observatory
- It was launched on September 9, 1994 during STS-64
- It is part of the SPARTAN series of free-flying space platforms
- Its SCN number is 23253
- Its COSPAR ID is 1994-059B
- Its NSSDCA ID is 1994-059B
- It is classified as an artificial satellite
- Alternative names include SPARTAN 201-2, SPARTAN 201-F2, SPARTAN201-02, and SPTN-201-02
- It was carried by NASA's Space Shuttle

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of SPARTAN 201-02?
A: SPARTAN 201-02 was designed as an American solar observatory to study the Sun. It was specifically flown during the STS-64 mission to conduct solar observations from space.

### Q: When and how was SPARTAN 201-02 launched?
A: SPARTAN 201-02 was launched on September 9, 1994 during the STS-64 mission. It was carried by NASA's Space Shuttle as part of the SPARTAN series of free-flying space platforms.

### Q: What is the relationship between SPARTAN 201-02 and other SPARTAN missions?
A: SPARTAN 201-02 is part of the SPARTAN series of free-flying space platforms developed by NASA. It belongs to the same family of observatories that were deployed and retrieved by NASA's Space Shuttles.

### Q: How is SPARTAN 201-02 identified in scientific records?
A: SPARTAN 201-02 is identified by its SCN number 23253, as well as its COSPAR ID and NSSDCA ID, both designated as 1994-059B. It is also known by several aliases including SPARTAN 201-2, SPARTAN 201-F2, SPARTAN201-02, and SPTN-201-02.

## Why It Matters
SPARTAN 201-02 represents an important contribution to solar astronomy as part of NASA's broader efforts to study the Sun from space. As a free-flying platform deployed during the STS-64 mission, it allowed scientists to conduct solar observations without the atmospheric interference that ground-based telescopes face. The SPARTAN series, to which SPARTAN 201-02 belongs, was a significant development in space-based solar observation capabilities, providing specialized instruments that could be deployed and retrieved by the Space Shuttle. These missions helped advance our understanding of solar physics and the Sun's influence on space weather, which has implications for satellite operations, communications, and power grid safety on Earth.

## Notable For
- It was specifically designed for solar observation, distinguishing it from more general-purpose artificial satellites
- It was part of the specialized SPARTAN series, which provided a standardized platform for free-flying scientific instruments
- Its deployment during STS-64 (September 1994) represented one of multiple SPARTAN missions in NASA's Space Shuttle program
- It was equipped with instruments capable of measuring solar ultraviolet radiation, providing unique data on solar activity
- The SPARTAN platform allowed for remote deployment and retrieval, a significant operational advantage compared to permanently deployed satellites

## Body
### Overview
SPARTAN 201-02 is an American solar observatory that was flown during the STS-64 mission. It is part of the SPARTAN series of free-flying space platforms designed for scientific observations.

### Classification and Identification
- Instance of: Artificial satellite
- Country: United States
- SCN number: 23253
- COSPAR ID: 1994-059B
- NSSDCA ID: 1994-059B
- Wolfram Language entity code: Entity["Satellite", "23253"]
- Aliases: SPARTAN 201-2, SPARTAN 201-F2, SPARTAN201-02, SPTN-201-02

### Mission Details
- Launch date: September 9, 1994
- Mission: STS-64
- Purpose: Solar observation
- Type: Free-flying space platform
- Platform series: SPARTAN

### Program Context
SPARTAN 201-02 belongs to the SPARTAN program, which was a series of free-flying space platforms carried by NASA's Space Shuttle. The SPARTAN program provided standardized platforms for conducting various scientific experiments in space, with specific versions designed for different observational purposes. This particular version, SPARTAN 201-02, was specifically configured for solar observations, allowing scientists to study the Sun's ultraviolet radiation and other solar phenomena from space.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report