# TIMED

> satellite mission by NASA

**Wikidata**: [Q54378](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q54378)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TIMED)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/timed

## Summary
TIMED (Thermosphere Ionosphere Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics) is a NASA Earth observation satellite launched in 2001 to study the upper atmosphere. It was built by Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory and launched aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2 West.

## Key Facts
- Launched on December 7, 2001 at 15:07:35 UTC aboard a Delta II rocket (D289)
- Weighs 587 kilograms with dimensions of 1.2m × 1.61m × 2.72m (without solar arrays)
- Equipped with 406 watts of power from two solar arrays extending to 11.73 meters
- Operates in low Earth orbit as part of NASA's Solar Terrestrial Probes program
- Has a COSPAR ID of 2001-055B and NSSDCA ID of 2001-055B
- Nearly collided with Russian satellite Kosmos 2221 on February 28, 2024
- Has been operating for over 22 years as of 2024
- Website available in English through both JHUAPL and NASA portals

## FAQs
### Q: What does TIMED stand for?
A: TIMED stands for Thermosphere Ionosphere Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics, reflecting its mission to study these upper atmospheric layers.

### Q: Who operates TIMED?
A: TIMED is operated by NASA, with the spacecraft built by Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory.

### Q: How long has TIMED been in space?
A: TIMED was launched on December 7, 2001, making it over 22 years old as of 2024, demonstrating exceptional longevity for a space mission.

## Why It Matters
TIMED represents a critical NASA mission for understanding Earth's upper atmosphere and its interactions with solar energy. By studying the mesosphere, thermosphere, and ionosphere, TIMED provides essential data about atmospheric dynamics that affect satellite communications, GPS systems, and space weather predictions. The mission's longevity has allowed scientists to observe long-term atmospheric changes and patterns that would be impossible to detect in shorter missions. As one of NASA's longest-operating Earth observation satellites, TIMED continues to deliver valuable scientific data while demonstrating the durability of well-designed space systems. Its near-miss with space debris in 2024 also highlighted the growing challenges of orbital congestion and the importance of space traffic management.

## Notable For
- One of NASA's longest-operating Earth observation satellites, exceeding 22 years of continuous operation
- First mission specifically designed to study the mesosphere, thermosphere, and ionosphere as an integrated system
- Survived a close approach with defunct Russian satellite Kosmos 2221 in February 2024
- Built by Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, demonstrating successful academic-industry collaboration
- Part of NASA's Solar Terrestrial Probes program, contributing to our understanding of Sun-Earth connections

## Body
### Mission Overview
TIMED was launched on December 7, 2001, at 15:07:35 UTC from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2 West aboard a Delta II rocket (D289). The mission was developed as part of NASA's Solar Terrestrial Probes program to study the least explored and understood region of Earth's atmosphere: the mesosphere, thermosphere, and ionosphere.

### Technical Specifications
The spacecraft has a mass of 587 kilograms and compact dimensions of 1.2m × 1.61m × 2.72m when stowed. When deployed, its two solar arrays extend to 11.73 meters, providing 406 watts of power. The satellite is identified by COSPAR ID 2001-055B and NSSDCA ID 2001-055B.

### Scientific Objectives
TIMED's primary mission is to understand the energy transfer processes and chemical interactions in Earth's upper atmosphere. The satellite studies how solar energy affects atmospheric layers from about 60 to 180 kilometers above Earth's surface, providing data crucial for understanding space weather and atmospheric dynamics.

### Operational History
Since its launch in 2001, TIMED has operated for over 22 years, far exceeding typical mission durations. The spacecraft continues to function and provide scientific data, demonstrating the robust design and construction by Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory.

### Recent Events
On February 28, 2024, TIMED experienced a close approach with the defunct Russian satellite Kosmos 2221. NASA tracked the event, which occurred at 06:34 UTC, and confirmed the spacecraft passed safely by the debris. This incident highlighted the growing challenges of orbital congestion and the importance of space situational awareness.

### Current Status
TIMED remains operational and continues its scientific mission, with data accessible through NASA and JHUAPL websites. The satellite's extended operational life has provided unprecedented long-term data on atmospheric changes and solar-terrestrial interactions.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.timed.jhuapl.edu/WWW/common/content/pdfs/QuickFacts.pdf)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. [NASA’s TIMED Spacecraft to Make Close Pass with Satellite. 2024](https://blogs.nasa.gov/sunspot/2024/02/28/nasas-timed-spacecraft-to-make-close-pass-with-satellite/)
5. [NASA’s TIMED Spacecraft Passes Safely by Satellite. 2024](https://blogs.nasa.gov/sunspot/2024/02/28/nasas-timed-spacecraft-passes-safely-by-satellite/)
6. [Near miss! NASA satellite, dead Russian spacecraft zoom past each other in orbit. 2024](https://www.space.com/near-collision-nasa-timed-satellite-russian-space-junk)