# SPAS-01

> free-flying observatory carried on Space Shuttle mission STS-7

**Wikidata**: [Q115760990](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q115760990)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/spas-01

## Summary
SPAS-01 was a free-flying observatory carried on Space Shuttle mission STS-7. It was a research satellite designed for scientific research, launched in 1983 as part of Germany's contribution to space exploration.

## Key Facts
- SPAS-01 was a free-flying observatory carried on Space Shuttle mission STS-7
- Launched on June 18, 1983 at 11:33:00 from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A aboard Space Shuttle Challenger
- Classified as both a research satellite and a payload
- Manufactured by Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (German company)
- Had a COSPAR ID of 1983-059F
- Was part of the Shuttle Pallet Satellite program
- Was preceded by SPAS-01A (carried on STS-41-B but unreleased due to Canadarm problems)
- Has one sitelink according to available data

## FAQs
### Q: What was SPAS-01's primary function?
A: SPAS-01 was a free-flying observatory designed for scientific research. It was carried on Space Shuttle mission STS-7 to conduct various experiments and observations in space.

### Q: When and how was SPAS-01 launched?
A: SPAS-01 was launched on June 18, 1983, at 11:33:00 from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger as part of the STS-7 mission.

### Q: Who manufactured SPAS-01 and where was it from?
A: SPAS-01 was manufactured by Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm, making Germany its country of origin.

### Q: How does SPAS-01 relate to SPAS-01A?
A: SPAS-01 was preceded by SPAS-01A, which was carried on Space Shuttle mission STS-41-B. However, SPAS-01A was unreleased due to a problem with the Canadarm.

## Why It Matters
SPAS-01 represented an important milestone in the deployment of free-flying observatories from the Space Shuttle. As one of the first satellite pallet systems deployed by the Space Shuttle, it demonstrated the flexibility and capabilities of using the shuttle as a platform for scientific research missions. The SPAS program enabled a variety of experiments to be conducted in space without requiring dedicated rocket launches for each satellite. This contributed to the advancement of space-based research and showcased international cooperation in space exploration, as evidenced by its German manufacturer.

## Notable For
- Being a free-flying observatory carried on Space Shuttle mission STS-7
- Being manufactured by Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (German company)
- Having a unique classification as both a research satellite and payload
- Being part of the Shuttle Pallet Satellite program with the COSPAR ID 1983-059F
- Having a relationship with SPAS-01A, which was carried on a subsequent mission but experienced deployment issues

## Body
### Mission Overview
SPAS-01 was a free-flying observatory designed for scientific research. It was carried on Space Shuttle mission STS-7, which launched on June 18, 1983. The satellite was classified as both a research satellite and a payload.

### Technical Specifications
- Classification: Research satellite and payload
- Spacecraft Bus: Shuttle Pallet Satellite
- Manufacturer: Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (German company)
- Country of Origin: Germany
- COSPAR ID: 1983-059F
- NSSDCA ID: 1983-059F

### Mission Details
- Launch Date: June 18, 1983, at 11:33:00
- Launch Vehicle: Space Shuttle Challenger
- Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A
- Mission: STS-7

### Program Context
SPAS-01 was part of the SPAS (Shuttle Pallet Satellite) program. It was preceded by SPAS-01A, which was carried on Space Shuttle mission STS-41-B but was unreleased due to a problem with the Canadarm. SPAS-01 demonstrated the capability of the Space Shuttle to deploy free-flying satellites for scientific research.

### Related Entities
- Research satellite [class] — SPAS-01 belonged to this class of artificial satellites designed for scientific research
- Space Shuttle [class] — SPAS-01 was launched using this partially reusable launch system developed by NASA (1981-2011)

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/spas-01.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report