 OSCAR II
(OSCAR 2)
Spacecraft Summary
| OSCAR Designation: |
OSCAR II |
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Oscar Number: |
OSCAR II |
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| International Designator: |
1962-022B |
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Norad Number: |
305 |
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| Common Name: |
OSCAR 2 |
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Satellite Type: |
Satellite |
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| Launch Date: |
2 June, 1962 |
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Launch Location: |
Vandenberg, AFB |
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| Launch Vehicle: |
Thor Agena B |
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Decay Date: |
21 June, 1962 |
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| Apogee: |
292.00 |
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Perigee: |
110.00 |
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| Inclination: |
74.27 |
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Period: |
88.51 |
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| Weight: |
0.000 Kg |
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| | | | Organization: | Project OSCAR |
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Frequency Information
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| Mode V Beacon: Non-Operational |
| Simplex: |
144.9830 MHz CW |
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Detailed Description
OSCAR II was launched June 2, 1962 by a T launcher from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Lompoc, California. OSCAR II was launched piggyback with a United States Air Force satellite. Orbit 384 x 206 km. Inclination 74.2 degrees. Period 89.8 minutes. OSCAR I was the second phase I satellite.
OSCAR II was very similar to OSCAR I. Differences included (1) changing the surface thermal coatings to achieve a cooler internal spacecraft environment, (2) modifying the sensing system so the satellite temperature could be measured accurately as the batteries decayed, and (3) lowering the transmitter power output to 100 mW to extend the life of the onboard battery [from The Satellite Experimenter's Handbook].
OSCAR II lasted 18 days ceasing operation on June 20, 1962 and re-entered June 21, 1962.
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Reference Documents:
- William Orr, "OSCAR II: A Summation," QST, Apr 1963, pp 53-56, 148, 150.
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