# Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe

> NASA Cosmic Microwave Background probe launched in 2001

**Wikidata**: [Q274106](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q274106)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilkinson_Microwave_Anisotropy_Probe)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/wilkinson-microwave-anisotropy-probe

## Summary
The Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) is a NASA space telescope launched in 2001 to study the Cosmic Microwave Background. Also known as Explorer 80, the probe was designed to observe distant space objects while positioned at the Sun-Earth L2 Lagrangian point. It was operated by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date:** June 30, 2001
- **Operator:** National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
- **Classification:** Space telescope; Cosmic microwave background experiment; Artificial satellite of the Earth
- **Launch Vehicle:** Delta II
- **Launch Site:** Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17
- **Mission Location:** Operated at the Earth-Sun L2 Lagrangian point (from October 1, 2001, to September 20, 2010)
- **Mass:** 835 kg (launch weight); 763 kg (dry weight)
- **Dimensions:** 5.1 meters (height) x 3.6 meters (length)
- **Power:** 419 Watts (nominal power output)
- **Alternative Names:** WMAP, Microwave Anisotropy Probe, MAP, Explorer 80, MIDEX-2

## FAQs
### Q: What is the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe?
A: The Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) is a NASA space telescope and artificial satellite launched on June 30, 2001. It is classified as a cosmic microwave background experiment designed to observe distant space objects.

### Q: Where was the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe located during its mission?
A: The probe was positioned at the Earth-Sun L2 Lagrangian point. It arrived at this location on October 1, 2001, and maintained operations there until September 20, 2010.

### Q: What rocket was used to launch the probe?
A: The WMAP spacecraft was launched aboard a Delta II rocket, a retired expendable launch system, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17.

## Why It Matters
The Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe represents a significant effort in the field of observational cosmology. As a specialized space telescope, its primary function involved the detailed study of the cosmic microwave background, providing crucial data for understanding the universe's structure.

The mission is distinguished by its operational placement at the Second Lagrangian Point (L2), a gravitationally stable point in the Earth-Sun system. This location, approximately 1.5 million kilometers from Earth, allows for a stable environment ideal for astronomical observations free from the thermal and optical interference of the Earth and Sun. The successful deployment and decade-long operational lifespan of the probe highlight the engineering capabilities of the Delta II launch system and NASA's management of deep-space instrumentation. The spacecraft's specific design, featuring a launch mass of 835 kg and a power output of 419 watts, illustrates the balance of size and capability required for such scientific endeavors.

## Notable For
- Being a dedicated **cosmic microwave background experiment** operated by NASA.
- Operating at the **L2 Earth-Sun Lagrangian point**, a strategic location for space observation.
- Being identified as **Explorer 80** within the NASA Explorer program.
- Requiring a specific **launch weight of 835 kg** and **dry weight of 763 kg** to meet mission parameters.
- Being listed as a **Level 4 Vital Article** on Wikipedia, indicating high topical importance.

## Body

### Mission Specifications and Design
The Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) is an artificial satellite and space telescope constructed to observe the cosmic microwave background. The spacecraft has a total length of 3.6 meters and a height of 5.1 meters. It has a nominal power output of 419 watts. The physical mass of the probe is recorded at 835 kilograms at launch and 763 kilograms in dry weight.

### Launch and Deployment
The probe was successfully launched on June 30, 2001, utilizing a Delta II launch vehicle. The launch originated from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17. Following the launch, the spacecraft was maneuvered to its operational station at the L2 Earth-Sun Lagrangian point, arriving on October 1, 2001.

### Operational History
The probe remained active at the L2 Earth-Sun Lagrangian point for nearly nine years. Its operational period at this station concluded on September 20, 2010. Throughout its service, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration served as the primary operator.

### Identifiers and Classifications
The spacecraft is formally designated with the COSPAR ID **2001-027A** and the NSSDCA ID **2001-027A**. It is also assigned the NAIF ID **-165**. Within the NASA Explorer program, it is designated **Explorer 80** (also referred to as MIDEX-2). The probe is widely recognized by its abbreviation, **WMAP**, and was formerly known as the Microwave Anisotropy Probe (MAP).

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. [Source](https://naif.jpl.nasa.gov/pub/naif/toolkit_docs/C/req/naif_ids.html)