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Odin (satellite)

Swedish satellite with radiometer, launched in 2001 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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For the satellite weapon in the novels of Philip Reeve, see Mortal Engines Quartet § ODIN.

Odin is a Swedish satellite working in two disciplines: astrophysics and aeronomy. It was named after Odin of Norse mythology. Within the field of astrophysics, Odin was used until the spring of 2007 aiding in the study of star formation. Odin is still used for aeronomical observations, including exploration of the depletion of the ozone layer and effects of global warming. The satellite is still functioning nominally (June 2025) and is expected to deorbit in 2026.[1]

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Overview

The main instrument on Odin is a radiometer using a 1.1 m telescope, designed to be used for both the astronomy and aeronomy missions. The radiometer works at 486–580 GHz and at 119 GHz. The second instrument on board is the OSIRIS (Optical Spectrograph and InfraRed Imager System).[2]

Odin was developed by the Space Systems Division of Swedish Space Corporation (now OHB Sweden) as part of an international project involving the space agencies of Sweden (SNSB), Finland (TEKES), Canada (CSA) and France (CNES). Odin was launched on a START-1 rocket on 20 February 2001 from Svobodny, Russia.[2]

In April 2007, astronomers announced that Odin had made the first ever detection of molecular oxygen (O
2) in interstellar clouds.[3][4] The operator announced in 2025 that the satellite is expected to burn up in the atmosphere in the second quarter of 2026 and is expected to be operational until then, outliving the expected two year lifetime by 23 years.[1]

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Lists

International partners:[5]

Agencies or organizations involved in Odin:[5]

  • Swedish National Space Board
  • Swedish Space Corporation
  • Canadian Space Agency
  • Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (of Canada)
  • National Technology Agency of Finland
  • CNES (France)

Objectives:[5]

  • Astronomy
  • Aeronomy applications
  • Atmospheric research
  • Stratospheric ozone chemistry
  • Mesospheric ozone science
  • Summer mesospheric science
  • Coupling of atmospheric regions
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Results

Examples:

  • Odin has observed water in comets.[6]
  • Odin detected of molecular oxygen (O
    2    ) in interstellar clouds.[3][4]
  • Odin observed carbon monoxide in the strato-mesosphere.[7]
  • Odin has studied nitrous oxides in the atmosphere.[8]

See also

References

External links

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