// space science · 1964

Ariel 2

Radio astronomy satellite. Ariel 2 was launched on March 27, 1964 aboard a Scout X-3 from Wallops. Latest status in GCAT: reentered (orbital decay) (Nov 18, 1967).

COSPAR 1964-015ANORAD 771United Kingdom

Identity

Name in GCAT: Ariel 2
Payload designation: UK 2
Other names: UK-C:P
International designator: 1964-015A
NORAD catalog number: 771
GCAT identifier: S00771
UN registration: A/AC.105/INF.068

Mission

Mission type: Space science
Use: Civil government
Program: UK
Owner: UK DSIR
Country: United Kingdom
Builder: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Platform (bus): Ariel

Launch

Date: March 27, 1964 · 17:25 UTC
Launch record: 1964-015Success
Rocket: Scout X-3
Spaceport: Wallops · pad LA3

Orbit and fate

Orbit class (GCAT): LEO/I
Perigee: 289 km
Apogee: 1,343 km
Inclination: 51.65°
Status: Reentered (orbital decay)
Status date: November 18, 1967
Last known active: September 1964
End of operations: September 1964

Size

Mass: 68 kg
Dry mass: 68 kg
Length: 0.9 m
Diameter: 0.60 m
Span: 40.0 m

Source: GCAT payload, deep-space and lander catalogs, Jonathan C. McDowell (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata Q795127 (CC0).