# Submillimeter Wave Astronomy Satellite

> NASA space observatory

**Wikidata**: [Q54374](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q54374)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Submillimeter_Wave_Astronomy_Satellite)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/submillimeter-wave-astronomy-satellite

## Summary
The **Submillimeter Wave Astronomy Satellite (SWAS)** is a NASA space observatory designed to study distant celestial objects using submillimeter wave astronomy. Launched in 1998, it is part of the Explorer program and was deployed via an air-launched Pegasus rocket.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: December 6, 1998
- **Launch Vehicle**: Pegasus air-launched rocket
- **Aliases**: SWAS, Explorer 74, SMEX-3
- **Part of**: NASA's Explorers Program (mission #74) and Small Explorer program (mission #3)
- **Followed By**: Wide-Field Infrared Explorer (Explorers Program #75) and Transition Region And Coronal Explorer (Small Explorer program #4)
- **COSPAR ID**: 1998-071A
- **NSSDCA ID**: 1998-071A
- **Website**: [Official SWAS Page](https://www.cfa.harvard.edu/swas/swas.html)

## FAQs
### Q: What is the Submillimeter Wave Astronomy Satellite (SWAS)?
A: SWAS is a NASA space telescope launched in 1998 to observe submillimeter wavelengths, helping scientists study molecular clouds, star formation, and interstellar chemistry.

### Q: How was SWAS launched?
A: It was launched on December 6, 1998, using a Pegasus air-launched rocket.

### Q: What programs is SWAS associated with?
A: SWAS is part of NASA's Explorers Program (mission #74) and the Small Explorer program (mission #3).

### Q: What came after SWAS in NASA's Explorer program?
A: The Wide-Field Infrared Explorer (Explorers Program #75) followed SWAS.

### Q: What are the alternative names for SWAS?
A: It is also known as Explorer 74 and SMEX-3.

## Why It Matters
The Submillimeter Wave Astronomy Satellite (SWAS) played a crucial role in advancing our understanding of the universe by observing submillimeter wavelengths, which are essential for studying cold molecular clouds where stars form. By detecting emissions from molecules like water and oxygen, SWAS provided insights into the chemical composition and physical conditions of interstellar gas. Its contributions helped refine models of star formation and galactic evolution, making it a key instrument in astrophysics. As part of NASA's Explorer program, SWAS demonstrated the effectiveness of smaller, focused space missions in delivering high-impact scientific results.

## Notable For
- **First dedicated submillimeter space telescope**: SWAS was one of the first missions specifically designed to observe submillimeter wavelengths from space.
- **Air-launched deployment**: It was launched using a Pegasus rocket, showcasing the feasibility of air-launched space missions.
- **Key discoveries in star formation**: SWAS provided critical data on molecular clouds, aiding research into how stars and planetary systems form.
- **Part of NASA's Small Explorer program**: As the third mission in this program, it highlighted the success of cost-effective, focused space observatories.
- **Long operational life**: Despite its small size, SWAS operated successfully for years, contributing valuable data to astrophysics.

## Body
### Overview
The **Submillimeter Wave Astronomy Satellite (SWAS)** is a NASA space observatory launched to study submillimeter wavelengths, which are crucial for observing cold molecular clouds in space. These clouds are the birthplaces of stars, and SWAS helped scientists understand their composition and behavior.

### Launch and Deployment
- **Launch Date**: December 6, 1998
- **Launch Vehicle**: Pegasus air-launched rocket
- **Deployment**: The Pegasus rocket was released from an aircraft, demonstrating the flexibility of air-launched missions.

### Mission Objectives
SWAS was designed to:
- Observe submillimeter emissions from molecules like water (H₂O), oxygen (O₂), and carbon monoxide (CO).
- Study the physical conditions and chemistry of interstellar molecular clouds.
- Investigate the processes involved in star formation.

### Technical Specifications
- **Instrument Type**: Space telescope
- **Wavelength Range**: Submillimeter waves
- **Mission Duration**: Operated for several years post-launch
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit

### Program Affiliations
SWAS is part of two NASA programs:
1. **Explorers Program**: Mission #74 in this long-running series of space observatories.
2. **Small Explorer (SMEX) Program**: Mission #3 in this subset of cost-effective, focused missions.

### Successors
- **Wide-Field Infrared Explorer (WIRE)**: Followed SWAS in the Explorers Program (mission #75).
- **Transition Region And Coronal Explorer (TRACE)**: Followed SWAS in the Small Explorer program (mission #4).

### Legacy
SWAS contributed significantly to astrophysics by providing data on molecular clouds and star formation. Its success demonstrated the value of small, specialized space missions in advancing scientific knowledge.

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## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013