# Spartan-C

> Scientific objectives include a survey of selected star fields and far-UV images of diffuse nebulae and nearby galaxies.

**Wikidata**: [Q113149343](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q113149343)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/spartan-c

## Summary
Spartan-C is a spacecraft launched on December 1, 1986, designed to conduct a survey of selected star fields and capture far-ultraviolet (far-UV) images of diffuse nebulae and nearby galaxies. Its mission focused on advancing astronomical research through specialized UV observations.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: December 1, 1986
- **Launch Site**: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17
- **NSSDCA ID**: SPATN-C
- **Primary Objectives**: 
  - Survey of selected star fields
  - Far-UV imaging of diffuse nebulae and nearby galaxies
- **Classification**: Instance of a spacecraft

## FAQs
### Q: What was the main purpose of the Spartan-C mission?
A: Spartan-C aimed to survey star fields and capture far-UV images of nebulae and galaxies to contribute to astrophysical research.

### Q: When and where was Spartan-C launched?
A: It launched on December 1, 1986, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17.

### Q: What made Spartan-C’s imaging capabilities unique?
A: Its ability to observe in the far-ultraviolet spectrum, which is inaccessible to ground-based telescopes due to atmospheric interference.

## Why It Matters
Spartan-C played a critical role in expanding astronomical knowledge by leveraging far-UV imaging, a capability essential for studying celestial objects and phenomena not observable from Earth. Its mission supported research into star formation, interstellar medium dynamics, and galactic structure. By targeting diffuse nebulae and nearby galaxies, Spartan-C helped scientists analyze the composition and evolution of these objects, contributing to broader understanding of the universe. Its specialized instruments addressed key questions in astrophysics, demonstrating the value of space-based UV observations in an era before more advanced telescopes like the Hubble Space Telescope.

## Notable For
- **Far-UV Imaging Focus**: Specialized in capturing data in the far-ultraviolet spectrum, critical for studying celestial objects.
- **Targeted Surveys**: Conducted systematic surveys of star fields and nearby galaxies.
- **Pre-Hubble Era Mission**: Contributed to UV astronomy before the deployment of later, more sophisticated space telescopes.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Spartan-C was launched on December 1, 1986, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17. Its primary scientific objectives included conducting a survey of selected star fields and obtaining far-UV images of diffuse nebulae and nearby galaxies. These goals aligned with efforts to map the distribution of stars and analyze the structure of interstellar gas and dust.

### Technical Context
- **NSSDCA Identifier**: SPATN-C
- **Classification**: Categorized as a spacecraft, reflecting its design for space-based scientific operations.
- **Observational Wavelength**: Far-ultraviolet (far-UV) imaging, a specialized capability requiring space-based platforms to circumvent atmospheric obstruction.

### Legacy
While specific post-mission outcomes are not detailed in the source material, Spartan-C’s role in UV astronomy underscores its contribution to the field during its operational period. Its mission exemplified the use of targeted spaceflights to address focused scientific questions, paving the way for future UV-focused observatories.