# AEROS B

> weather satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q14920322](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q14920322)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/aeros-b

## Summary
AEROS B is a weather satellite launched on July 16, 1974, aboard a Scout D-1 rocket from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 5. It belongs to the AEROS class of satellites, designed for meteorological research, and is also known as Aeros 2. The satellite played a role in Earth observation and atmospheric studies during its operational period.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: July 16, 1974
- **COSPAR ID**: 1974-055A
- **Launch Vehicle**: Scout D-1
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 5
- **SCN Number**: 07371
- **Aliases**: Aeros 2
- **Class**: AEROS (one of two known instances)
- **Mission Type**: Weather satellite for meteorological data collection

## FAQs
### Q: When was AEROS B launched?
A: AEROS B was launched on July 16, 1974, from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 5 using a Scout D-1 rocket.

### Q: What was the purpose of AEROS B?
A: AEROS B was a weather satellite designed to collect meteorological data as part of the AEROS program, contributing to atmospheric and Earth observation research.

### Q: How is AEROS B related to other satellites?
A: AEROS B is one of two known instances of the AEROS-class satellites, with the other being AEROS 1 (AEROS A). Both were launched to study weather patterns and atmospheric conditions.

## Why It Matters
AEROS B holds significance as part of the AEROS satellite series, which advanced meteorological research in the 1970s. As a weather satellite, it supported global efforts to monitor atmospheric conditions, contributing to early Earth observation systems. Its launch on a Scout D-1 rocket also highlighted the use of specialized launch vehicles for small scientific payloads. While specific mission outcomes are not detailed in the source material, its classification and role indicate its importance in the broader context of satellite-based weather monitoring during its operational lifespan.

## Notable For
- **AEROS Class Membership**: One of two satellites in the AEROS class, emphasizing its specialized design for meteorological missions.
- **Scout D-1 Launch Vehicle**: Utilized a rocket known for deploying small scientific satellites, underscoring its role in cost-effective space research.
- **Vandenberg Launch Site**: Launched from a U.S. facility critical to civilian and military space operations, reflecting its integration into national aerospace initiatives.
- **Weather Observation Focus**: Contributed to early satellite-based weather data collection, a foundational aspect of modern meteorology.

## Body
### Launch Details
AEROS B was launched on **July 16, 1974**, at **Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 5** in California, United States. The launch vehicle used was the **Scout D-1**, a lightweight American rocket designed for small payloads. This mission marked a specific event in the Scout D-1’s operational history, identified by the **COSPAR ID 1974-055A** and **SCN 07371**.

### Satellite Specifications
- **Class**: AEROS (satellite type with two known instances)
- **Alias**: Aeros 2
- **Primary Function**: Weather satellite for atmospheric and meteorological research
- **Identifiers**: 
  - COSPAR ID: 1974-055A
  - SCN: 07371

### Mission Context
AEROS B operated as part of a broader initiative to gather weather data from space, aligning with 1970s efforts to expand Earth observation capabilities. Its launch exemplified the use of dedicated small satellites for focused scientific objectives, distinct from larger multipurpose platforms. The satellite’s design and mission parameters reflect the technological and logistical considerations of its era, including the choice of the Scout D-1 for reliable, low-cost access to space.

### Legacy
While specific mission achievements are not enumerated in the provided sources, AEROS B’s classification and operational context position it as a contributor to the evolution of satellite meteorology. Its association with the AEROS class and the Scout D-1 rocket underscores its place in the history of U.S. and international space-based Earth sciences. The satellite’s documentation across multiple Wikipedia language editions (es, gl, hu, pt) further indicates its recognition in global scientific and technical discourse.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report