# SPICA

> proposed infrared space telescope

**Wikidata**: [Q905854](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q905854)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SPICA_(spacecraft))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/spica-q905854

## Summary
SPICA is a proposed infrared space telescope, formally named the Space Infrared Telescope for Cosmology and Astrophysics. It is classified as a space telescope — an instrument intended to operate in outer space for observing distant space objects — and has dedicated entries on Wikimedia and Wikipedia.

## Key Facts
- SPICA is a proposed infrared space telescope (Wikidata description: "proposed infrared space telescope").
- Full name: Space Infrared Telescope for Cosmology and Astrophysics.
- Instance of: space telescope (an instrument in outer space for observing distant space objects).
- Aliases: スピカ; 宇宙学与天体物理空间红外望远镜; SPICA望遠鏡.
- Wikimedia Commons image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/SPICA_ISAS_201610.png
- Wikipedia article title: SPICA (spacecraft).
- Wikipedia-language coverage: available in English, French, Hungarian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, and Chinese.
- Freebase identifier: /m/06404d_ (reference metadata includes publication_date 2013-10-28).
- Sitelink count on Wikidata: 7.

## FAQs
### Q: What does SPICA stand for?
A: SPICA stands for Space Infrared Telescope for Cosmology and Astrophysics.

### Q: What type of telescope is SPICA?
A: SPICA is a proposed infrared space telescope, classified as a space telescope designed to observe distant space objects from outer space.

### Q: Is SPICA currently operational?
A: No — SPICA is described as a proposed infrared space telescope, indicating it is not presented as an operational mission in the provided source material.

### Q: Where can I find visual material or an image for SPICA?
A: A dedicated image is available on Wikimedia Commons at https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/SPICA_ISAS_201610.png.

## Why It Matters
SPICA is significant because it represents a proposed addition to the class of space telescopes dedicated to infrared astronomy. Space telescopes operate above Earth’s atmosphere, allowing clearer and broader access to wavelengths — including infrared — that are partially or fully obscured from the ground. As a proposed infrared observatory, SPICA would conceptually contribute to the overall capability for observing distant astronomical objects and phenomena in infrared wavelengths. Its formal name, multilingual aliases, and presence on major knowledge platforms (Wikidata, Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons) indicate recognition within the astronomical and informational ecosystem. Even as a proposal, SPICA is part of ongoing efforts to expand infrared observational infrastructure and international scientific resources.

## Notable For
- Formal full name: Space Infrared Telescope for Cosmology and Astrophysics.
- Described on Wikidata specifically as a "proposed infrared space telescope."
- Multilingual recognition with a Wikipedia article available in seven languages (en, fr, hu, ja, ko, ru, zh).
- Publicly available illustration on Wikimedia Commons (image URL provided).
- Multiple aliases in Japanese and Chinese reflecting international nomenclature.

## Body
### Overview
- SPICA is identified as a proposed infrared space telescope.
- The entity is classified as an instance of the broader class "space telescope," defined as an instrument in outer space for observing distant space objects.

### Names and aliases
- Primary name: SPICA.
- Full/expanded name: Space Infrared Telescope for Cosmology and Astrophysics.
- Provided aliases: スピカ; 宇宙学与天体物理空间红外望远镜; SPICA望遠鏡.

### Classification and purpose
- Instance of: space telescope.
- The class "space telescope" denotes instruments operating in outer space to observe distant space objects.

### Identifiers and metadata
- Wikidata description: proposed infrared space telescope.
- Freebase ID: /m/06404d_ (reference metadata includes a publication_date of 2013-10-28).
- Wikidata sitelink count: 7.

### Online presence and coverage
- Wikipedia article title: SPICA (spacecraft).
- Article language availability: English, French, Hungarian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Chinese.
- Wikimedia Commons image URL: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/SPICA_ISAS_201610.png

### Notes
- All statements above are derived from the provided source material. No operational status, technical specifications (such as aperture, instruments, launch date), or development agencies are specified in the provided data.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013