The Canadian Space Agency's Scientific Satellite Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment. or SCISAT-1.
successfully launched aboard a Pegasus XL rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California on August 12. 2003. at 7:09 p.m. Pacific Time.
The 330-pound SCISAT-1 spacecraft was placed into a low polar orbit of 400 miles following spacecraft separation.
SCISAT-1 is a joint venture between NASA. Canada's Department of Chemistry and other countries.
The satellite is designed to gather data on the Earth's ozone levels and travels around the Earth
15 times a day taking readings at sunrise and sunset. when the conditions are optimal.
Originally set as a two year mission. SCISAT-1 continues to provide data.
having already logged more than 30.000 orbits above Earth.