# TOMS-EP

> decommissioned NASA ozone monitoring satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q52375950](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q52375950)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/toms-ep

## Summary
TOMS-EP was a decommissioned NASA ozone monitoring satellite launched in 1996. It was part of NASA's Earth observation program and operated until 2007, contributing to atmospheric science by tracking ozone levels before being decommissioned.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Earth observation satellite and derelict satellite
- **Operator**: Goddard Space Flight Center (NASA)
- **Launch Date**: July 2, 1996 (07:48 UTC)
- **Launch Vehicle**: Pegasus (F12)
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg Space Force Base, carried by Stargazer
- **Mass**: 248 kg
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous orbit
- **Manufacturer**: TRW Inc.
- **Spacecraft Bus**: T100
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array (2 panels)
- **Decommissioning Date**: May 30, 2007
- **Significant Events**: Radio transmitter failures in 1998 and 2006

## FAQs
### Q: What was TOMS-EP's primary purpose?
A: TOMS-EP was designed to monitor ozone levels in Earth's atmosphere, contributing to NASA's Earth observation program.

### Q: Who operated TOMS-EP?
A: The satellite was operated by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center.

### Q: When was TOMS-EP decommissioned?
A: TOMS-EP was decommissioned on May 30, 2007, after over a decade of operation.

### Q: What type of orbit did TOMS-EP use?
A: TOMS-EP operated in a sun-synchronous orbit, allowing consistent Earth observations.

### Q: What was the cause of TOMS-EP's decommissioning?
A: The satellite was decommissioned due to technical failures, including radio transmitter issues in 1998 and 2006.

## Why It Matters
TOMS-EP played a crucial role in atmospheric science by providing critical data on ozone levels, which are essential for understanding climate change and protecting the planet. As part of NASA's Earth observation program, it contributed to global efforts to monitor environmental health. Despite its eventual decommissioning, its legacy data remains valuable for research. The satellite's decommissioning marked the end of an era in ozone monitoring, highlighting the challenges of maintaining long-term space missions.

## Notable For
- **First of its kind**: One of the earliest dedicated ozone-monitoring satellites.
- **Long operational life**: Operated for over a decade before decommissioning.
- **Contributed to climate science**: Provided critical data on ozone levels, aiding climate research.
- **Technical challenges**: Suffered from radio transmitter failures, demonstrating the complexities of space missions.
- **Decommissioned gracefully**: Officially decommissioned in 2007 after years of service.

## Body
### Mission Overview
TOMS-EP (Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer-Earth Probe) was launched on July 2, 1996, aboard a Pegasus rocket carried by the Stargazer aircraft. It was designed to monitor ozone levels in Earth's atmosphere, a key indicator of environmental health. The satellite operated in a sun-synchronous orbit, ensuring consistent data collection.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 248 kg
- **Power**: Two spacecraft solar arrays provided electrical power.
- **Manufacturer**: TRW Inc.
- **Spacecraft Bus**: T100, a standardized design for Earth observation satellites.

### Operational History
- **Launch**: July 2, 1996, from Vandenberg Space Force Base.
- **First Failure**: Radio transmitter issues in 1998.
- **Second Failure**: Alternative radio transmitter failure in December 2006.
- **Decommissioning**: Officially decommissioned on May 30, 2007, after over a decade of service.

### Legacy
TOMS-EP's data contributed to NASA's understanding of ozone dynamics and climate change. Its decommissioning marked the end of an era in ozone monitoring, but its legacy data remains a valuable resource for atmospheric research. The satellite's operational challenges highlighted the difficulties of maintaining long-term space missions.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/toms-ep.htm)
2. [Source](https://eospso.nasa.gov/missions/total-ozone-mapping-spectrometer-earth-probe)
3. [Source](https://directory.eoportal.org/web/eoportal/satellite-missions/t/toms)
4. Jonathan's Space Report
5. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1996-037A)