The Swedish research satellite Odin has been celebrated for completing more than 25 years in orbit, marking one of Sweden’s most successful space missions. Launched on February 20, 2001, the satellite has contributed significantly to both atmospheric and astronomical research. The anniversary was recognized at an event hosted by the Swedish National Space Agency, where scientists highlighted Odin’s long-standing scientific achievements.Developed through an international collaboration led by Sweden, with contributions from Canada, Finland, and France, the project was initiated by researchers at Stockholm University and Chalmers University of Technology. Over its lifetime, data from Odin has been used in around 400 scientific publications by researchers from more than 30 countries.In aeronomy, Odin has played a key role in monitoring the ozone layer and studying how climate change affects the upper atmosphere. Its long operational period has enabled scientists to track atmospheric changes over decades. In astronomy, Odin made history as the first telescope to detect molecular oxygen outside the Solar System. It also measured water vapor in interstellar gas clouds, observed water near the center of the Milky Way, and studied molecules in comets, including the well known comet Lovejoy.After more than two decades in polar orbit, Odin’s altitude has gradually decreased due to atmospheric drag. According to current projections, the satellite is expected to re enter Earth’s atmosphere and burn up during the third quarter of 2026, bringing a remarkable chapter in Swedish space research to a close.
Source: Department of Astronomy, Stockholm University
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