A-train (satellite constellation)

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A-train in 2013. As of 2020, the A-Train consists of four satellites. CloudSat and CALIPSO are no longer officially part of the constellation. A-Train w-Time2013 Web.jpg
A-train in 2013. As of 2020, the A-Train consists of four satellites. CloudSat and CALIPSO are no longer officially part of the constellation.

The A-train (from Afternoon Train) is a satellite constellation of four Earth observation satellites of varied nationality in Sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude that is slightly variable for each satellite. [1]

Contents

The orbit, at an inclination of 98.14°, crosses the equator each day at around 1:30 pm solar time, giving the constellation its name (the "A" stands for "afternoon" [2] ) and crosses the equator again on the night side of the Earth, at around 1:30 am.

They are spaced a few minutes apart from each other so their collective observations may be used to build high-definition three-dimensional images of Earth's atmosphere and surface.

Satellites

Active

A-train and C-train in 2019 A-Train and C-Train constellations - 2019-09.jpg
A-train and C-train in 2019

The train, as of January 2022, [3] [4] [5] consists of three active satellites:

Past

Failed

References

  1. «A-train Symposium October 2007: Constellation keeps its promises», CNESMAG, January 2008
  2. NASA, Introducing the A-Train Archived 2017-04-29 at the Wayback Machine , 10.26.10 (accessed April 30 2012)
  3. Smith, Joseph M. (4 May 2022). "Aqua Turns 20".
  4. "Individual A-Train Missions". June 5, 2012. Retrieved 2013-11-15.
  5. 1 2 Greicius, Tony (2018-02-23). "CloudSat Exits the "A-Train"". NASA. Archived from the original on 2019-12-12. Retrieved 2018-04-01.
  6. CNES News on Calipso
  7. "Sister Satellites, Briefly Separated, Working Together Again". Archived from the original on 2018-11-21. Retrieved 2019-01-11.
  8. "OCO homepage". Archived from the original on 2018-09-09. Retrieved 2008-02-10.
  9. "Media Briefing Scheduled To Discuss Orbiting Carbon Observatory Mission". Archived from the original on 2016-03-03. Retrieved 2009-02-24.
  10. Glory homepage Archived 2008-09-16 at the Wayback Machine