# Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite

> NASA orbital observatory which studied Earth's atmosphere, particularly the ozone layer, and which re-entered the atmosphere in 2011

**Wikidata**: [Q534401](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q534401)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upper_Atmosphere_Research_Satellite)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/upper-atmosphere-research-satellite

## Summary
The Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) was a NASA orbital observatory designed to study Earth's atmosphere, with a particular focus on the ozone layer. Launched in 1991, this Earth observation satellite provided data for two decades before re-entering the atmosphere in 2011.

## Key Facts
*   The Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) was operated by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
*   It was launched on September 12, 1991, at 23:11:04 UTC.
*   UARS was primarily designed to study Earth's atmosphere, specifically the ozone layer.
*   The satellite re-entered Earth's atmosphere on September 24, 2011, around 04:00 UTC.
*   Its launch vehicle was the Space Shuttle Discovery, during mission STS-48, from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A.
*   UARS is classified as an Earth observation satellite.
*   Its COSPAR ID and NSSDCA ID are both 1991-063B.
*   The spacecraft utilized a MultiMission Modular Spacecraft bus.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS)?
A: The Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) was a NASA orbital observatory that studied Earth's atmosphere, particularly the ozone layer. It operated from its launch in 1991 until its re-entry in 2011.

### Q: When was UARS launched and by whom?
A: UARS was launched on September 12, 1991, by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The launch took place from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A.

### Q: When did UARS re-enter Earth's atmosphere?
A: The Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite re-entered Earth's atmosphere on September 24, 2011. This event marked the end of its operational life.

### Q: What was the primary focus of UARS's study?
A: UARS primarily focused on studying Earth's atmosphere, with a specific emphasis on the ozone layer. Its mission contributed to understanding atmospheric composition and dynamics.

### Q: What vehicle launched UARS into space?
A: UARS was launched into space by the Space Shuttle Discovery, as part of the STS-48 mission. The Space Shuttle is a partially reusable launch system developed by NASA.

## Why It Matters
The Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) played a crucial role in advancing humanity's understanding of Earth's atmosphere, particularly the vital ozone layer. By providing continuous, long-term data, UARS enabled scientists to monitor changes in atmospheric composition, track the depletion and recovery of the ozone layer, and study the complex interactions between different atmospheric regions. Its observations were instrumental in validating atmospheric models and informing international environmental policies, such as those related to ozone-depleting substances. As an Earth observation satellite, UARS contributed significantly to the broader field of climate science, offering insights into how human activities and natural processes affect our planet's protective atmospheric shield. Its mission underscored the importance of sustained orbital observation for environmental monitoring and global change research.

## Notable For
*   Dedicated study of Earth's ozone layer, providing critical data for environmental science and policy.
*   Being launched into orbit by the Space Shuttle Discovery during the STS-48 mission.
*   Operating for two decades, significantly exceeding its planned mission duration, before its atmospheric re-entry in 2011.
*   Its classification as a key Earth observation satellite, contributing to a global understanding of atmospheric dynamics.

## Body

### Overview and Purpose
The Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) was an orbital observatory operated by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Its primary mission was to conduct comprehensive studies of Earth's atmosphere, with a particular focus on the ozone layer. UARS was classified as an Earth observation satellite, designed to observe the planet from orbit.

### Launch and Operations
UARS was launched on September 12, 1991, at 23:11:04 UTC, from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A. The launch vehicle was the Space Shuttle Discovery, specifically during the STS-48 mission. The satellite was designed to operate in low Earth orbit.

### Technical Specifications
*   **Operator:** National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
*   **COSPAR ID:** 1991-063B
*   **NSSDCA ID:** 1991-063B
*   **Spacecraft Bus:** MultiMission Modular Spacecraft

### End of Mission
After two decades of operation, the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite re-entered Earth's atmosphere on September 24, 2011, around 04:00 UTC. This atmospheric entry marked the end of its mission.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. [Source](https://www.space-track.org/#decay)
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sat/fairchild_mms.htm)