# SPARTAN 204

> American astronomy satellite flown during STS-63

**Wikidata**: [Q111498989](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111498989)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/spartan-204

## Summary
SPARTAN 204 was an American astronomy satellite utilized as a free-flying space platform. Launched on February 3, 1995, it was deployed during the STS-63 mission and served as part of NASA's broader SPARTAN program. The spacecraft was designed to operate as a human-made object in orbit, classified specifically as an artificial satellite.

## Key Facts
*   **Launch Date:** February 3, 1995
*   **Mission Context:** Flown as part of the STS-63 Space Shuttle mission
*   **Classification:** Artificial satellite (Astronomy)
*   **Program Affiliation:** Part of the SPARTAN series of free-flying space platforms
*   **COSPAR ID:** 1995-004B
*   **NSSDCA ID:** 1995-004B
*   **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 23470
*   **Operator Country:** United States
*   **Alternate Designations:** SPARTAN 204-F1, SPARTAN204, SPTN-204, P90-4

## FAQs
### Q: What was SPARTAN 204?
A: SPARTAN 204 was an American astronomy satellite. It functioned as a free-flying platform launched via the Space Shuttle.

### Q: When was SPARTAN 204 launched?
A: SPARTAN 204 was launched on February 3, 1995. This occurred during the STS-63 mission.

### Q: What type of spacecraft was SPARTAN 204?
A: It was an artificial satellite and a unit within the SPARTAN series, which consists of free-flying space platforms carried by NASA's Space Shuttle.

### Q: What are the unique identifiers for SPARTAN 204?
A: Its COSPAR ID and NSSDCA ID are both 1995-004B. It also holds the Satellite Catalog Number 23470.

## Why It Matters
SPARTAN 204 represents a specific approach to space science where scientific instruments are deployed as autonomous, free-flying satellites from the Space Shuttle, rather than being permanently attached to the Shuttle bay or placed into independent deep-space orbits. As part of the SPARTAN (Shuttle Pointed Autonomous Research Tool for Astronomy) program, this satellite illustrates the mid-1990s utilization of the Space Shuttle as a launch pad for recoverable scientific platforms. By operating as a distinct "artificial satellite" (class: human-made object put into an orbit) temporarily separated from the Shuttle, SPARTAN 204 allowed for specific astronomical observations without the interference or orbital constraints of the main Shuttle vehicle. Its execution during STS-63 contributes to the historical record of satellite deployment strategies and astronomical data collection methods used by the United States during this era of space exploration.

## Notable For
*   **Autonomous Operation:** Distinguished as a free-flying platform within the SPARTAN series, capable of operating independently of the Space Shuttle while in orbit.
*   **STS-63 Integration:** Served as a key payload for the STS-63 mission, contributing to the flight's scientific objectives.
*   **Astronomy Focus:** Specifically classified as an astronomy satellite, distinguishing its primary function from communications or earth observation satellites.
*   **Nomenclature:** Recognized under multiple designations including the military-style P90-4 and the shorthand SPTN-204.

## Body

### Mission Profile and Launch
SPARTAN 204 was launched on February 3, 1995. The mission was conducted as part of STS-63, a Space Shuttle flight. The satellite is identified by the international designator **1995-004B** and the Satellite Catalog Number **23470**.

### Platform Classification
The spacecraft is an **artificial satellite**, defined as a human-made object put into an orbit. It belongs to the **SPARTAN class**, a series of free-flying space platforms developed in the United States. These platforms are designed to be carried by NASA's Space Shuttle and deployed for specific research durations.

### Designations and Aliases
Throughout its documentation and operational history, SPARTAN 204 has been referenced by several distinct identifiers:
*   **SPARTAN 204-F1**
*   **SPARTAN204**
*   **SPTN-204**
*   **P90-4**

Technical references to the satellite in computational databases, such as the Wolfram Language, utilize the entity code `Entity["Satellite", "23470"]`. Both the COSPAR (Committee on Space Research) ID and the NSSDCA (NASA Space Science Data Coordinated Archive) ID for this object are listed as 1995-004B.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report