Official name SCISAT 1
Alternative name SCISAT-1
Cospar ID 2003-036A
Norad ID 27858
Launch date 2003-08-13
Launch site WRAS
Launch vehicle Pegasus-XL
Country/Organization Canada
Type application Atmospheric science
Operator CSA
RCS size MEDIUM
Decay date ON ORBIT
Period (min) 97.36
Inclination (deg) 73.93
Perigee (km) 627
Apogee (km) 637
Eccentricity 0.00791139240506329
Mean motion (revs. per day) 14.7904683648316
Semi-Major axis (km) 7010.135
Raan (deg) 255.7426
Arg of perigee (deg) 140.6476
Shape Cyl
Mass (kg) 150
Diameter (m) 1.1
Height (m) 0.6
Span (m^2) 1.1
Lifetime 2 years
Contractors Bristol Aerospace
Equipment ACE-FTS, MAESTRO
Propulsion ?
Configuration Spin stabilized sun pointing
Power Solar cells, batteries

SciSat 1 (Science Satellite 1) is an atmospheric research satellite to improve the understanding of the depletion of the ozone layer, with a special emphasis on the changes occurring over Canada and in the Arctic.

It will carry two primary instruments:

  • Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment Fourier Transform Spectrometer (ACE-FTS) and
  • Measurements of Aerosol Extinction in the Stratosphere and Troposphere Retrieved by Occultation (MAESTRO).

The scientific goal of the ACE (Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment) experiment is to measure and understand the chemical processes that control the distribution of ozone in the Earth's atmosphere, particularly at high latitudes. The measurements obtained will be combined with data gathered by ground-based, balloon-based and other space-based projects in order to obtain the best possible information to predict future trends relating to the ozone layer and its depletion. The data, recorded as SCISAT-1 orbits the Earth, will provide Canadian and international scientists with improved measurements relating to global ozone processes and help policy makers assess existing environmental policy and develop protective measures for improving the health of our atmosphere. The ACE mission is designed to last at least two years.

Satellite COSPAR Date LS Launch Vehicle Remarks
SCISAT 1 2003-036A 2003-08-13 WRAS Pegasus-XL