THEMIS A

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THEMIS A is classified as:

Space & Earth Science

NORAD ID: 30580

Int'l Code: 2007-004A

Perigee: 1,283.4 km

Apogee: 78,087.2 km

Inclination: 8.7 °

Period: 1,639.4 minutes

Semi major axis: 46056 km

RCS: 0.3991 m² (medium)

Launch date: February 17, 2007
Source: United States (US)
Launch site: AIR FORCE EASTERN TEST RANGE (AFETR)

Aiming to uncover the physics that power the auroras that crown Earth's poles, five tiny probes have been launched into space for a synchronized orbital dance to locate where the trigger is pulled to create the eerily magnificent displays. Each of the 282-pound spacecraft is equipped with identical suites of instruments to examine the origin of space explosions known as substorms. The events start with the soup of ionized particles from the sun, called the solar wind, buffeting the Earth at a million miles per hour. Some of that energy gets trapped in the magnetic field, causing the field lines to stretch back in the direction opposite the sun like rubberbands. But when stretched too far the lines snap, releasing the energy that generates shimmering auroral displays.

1 30580U 07004A   19016.66633748  .00000041  00000-0  00000+0 0  9991
2 30580   8.7381 121.0816 8338032 261.0733   8.7851  0.87835331 42152

Source of the keplerian elements: AFSPC