# SPARTAN 201-04

> American solar observatory flown during STS-87

**Wikidata**: [Q111858478](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111858478)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/spartan-201-04

## Summary
SPARTAN 201-04 was an American solar observatory that flew aboard NASA's Space Shuttle mission STS-87 in November 1997. It was part of the SPARTAN series of free-flying space platforms designed to conduct scientific observations while deployed from the shuttle. The observatory focused on studying the Sun's outer atmosphere and solar wind.

## Key Facts
- Launched on November 19, 1997, aboard STS-87
- COSPAR ID: 1997-073B
- NSSDCA ID: 1997-073B
- Part of the SPARTAN series of free-flying space platforms
- Operated by NASA as an American solar observatory
- Also known as SPARTAN201-4, SPARTAN 201-4, SPARTAN 201-F4, and SPTN-201-04
- Scanned object number: 25062
- Designed to study the Sun's outer atmosphere and solar wind
- Deployed from the Space Shuttle during mission STS-87

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of SPARTAN 201-04?
A: SPARTAN 201-04 was designed as a solar observatory to study the Sun's outer atmosphere and solar wind. It was deployed from the Space Shuttle to conduct scientific observations while free-flying in space.

### Q: When and how was SPARTAN 201-04 launched?
A: SPARTAN 201-04 was launched on November 19, 1997, aboard NASA's Space Shuttle mission STS-87. It was deployed from the shuttle to operate as a free-flying observatory.

### Q: What does SPARTAN stand for?
A: SPARTAN stands for Shuttle Pointed Autonomous Research Tool for Astronomy. It refers to a series of free-flying space platforms carried by NASA's Space Shuttle for various scientific missions.

## Why It Matters
SPARTAN 201-04 represents an important chapter in solar physics and space-based astronomy. As part of NASA's SPARTAN program, it demonstrated the capability to conduct focused scientific observations using free-flying platforms deployed from the Space Shuttle. This approach allowed for specialized instruments to study the Sun without the constraints of being permanently attached to the shuttle, while still maintaining the ability to retrieve the equipment after the mission. The observatory's focus on the Sun's outer atmosphere and solar wind contributed valuable data to our understanding of solar phenomena and space weather, which affects satellite operations and communications on Earth. The success of missions like SPARTAN 201-04 helped pave the way for more sophisticated free-flying observatories and demonstrated the versatility of the Space Shuttle as a platform for deploying and retrieving scientific instruments.

## Notable For
- First SPARTAN mission to study the Sun's outer atmosphere and solar wind
- Demonstrated successful deployment and retrieval of free-flying solar observatory from Space Shuttle
- Part of NASA's innovative approach to conducting specialized astronomy missions
- Contributed to understanding of solar phenomena that affect Earth's space environment
- Represented advancement in shuttle-based deployment of autonomous scientific platforms

## Body
### Mission Overview
SPARTAN 201-04 was the fourth mission in the SPARTAN 201 series, launched as part of STS-87 on November 19, 1997. The mission involved deploying a free-flying solar observatory from the Space Shuttle to conduct specialized observations of the Sun.

### Technical Specifications
The observatory carried instruments specifically designed to study the Sun's outer atmosphere (corona) and solar wind. As a free-flying platform, it could orient itself independently while maintaining communication with the shuttle crew.

### Mission Operations
During STS-87, the Space Shuttle crew deployed SPARTAN 201-04 to operate autonomously while collecting solar data. After completing its observations, the observatory was retrieved by the shuttle crew, demonstrating the SPARTAN program's concept of reusable, retrievable scientific platforms.

### Scientific Objectives
The primary focus was on understanding the Sun's corona and the mechanisms that accelerate the solar wind. These observations helped scientists better understand space weather phenomena that can affect satellite operations, communications, and power systems on Earth.

### Program Context
SPARTAN 201-04 was part of a broader NASA initiative to use the Space Shuttle as a platform for deploying specialized scientific instruments. The program allowed for more focused and flexible scientific missions compared to permanently mounted shuttle experiments.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report