The objectives of Odin are astronomy and aeronomy applications:

• Atmospheric research
• Observation of stratospheric ozone chemistry
• Mesospheric ozone science
• Summer mesospheric science
• Coupling of atmospheric regions

The Odin satellite is an observatory in mm/sub-mm wave spectroscopy with measurements in the wavelengths of 0.5 - 0.6 mm and 2.5 mm. These contain emission lines from molecules such as water vapour, molecular oxygen, ozone and carbon monoxide which are important for the study of atmospheric processes as well as for the study of astronomical objects. Complementary information on Earth's atmosphere comes from spectral lines at UV and VIS wavelengths. The astronomy objectives and major scientific issues relate to star formation processes, interstellar chemistry and atmospheric ozone balance.

When the Odin project was still in its initial stages, atmospheric researchers discovered that they could use the same instruments to take readings of Earth's atmosphere as astronomers use to study space. Hence, both categories of scientists - aeronomers and astronomers - started working together and cooperation on Odin began.

In the Odin project, the aeronomers are mostly interested in water, chlorine monoxide and ozone distributions. The astronomers are mainly interested in water molecules and oxygen molecules (O₂) in space (observations of line emission from interstellar H₂O and O₂).