# Apollo 16 Subsatellite

> The Apollo Saturn V SIVB was the third stage of the Saturn V booster.

**Wikidata**: [Q111912940](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111912940)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/apollo-16-subsatellite

## Summary
The Apollo 16 Subsatellite is a spacecraft that was launched on April 16, 1972. It was deployed as part of the Apollo 16 mission and is also known by the alias PFS-2. The spacecraft was carried into space by a Saturn V launch vehicle.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date:** April 16, 1972
- **Launch Vehicle:** Saturn V
- **Object Type:** Spacecraft
- **COSPAR ID:** 1972-031D
- **NSSDCA ID:** 1972-031D
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 06009
- **Aliases:** PFS-2, Apollo 16D, 06009, Apollo16Subsatellite

## FAQs
### Q: When was the Apollo 16 Subsatellite launched?
A: The Apollo 16 Subsatellite was launched on April 16, 1972.

### Q: What rocket launched the Apollo 16 Subsatellite?
A: It was launched aboard a Saturn V rocket as part of the Apollo 16 mission.

### Q: What are other names for the Apollo 16 Subsatellite?
A: The Apollo 16 Subsatellite is also known as PFS-2, Apollo 16D, and by its satellite catalog number, 06009.

## Why It Matters
The provided source material does not contain information on the specific mission goals, scientific impact, or ultimate fate of the Apollo 16 Subsatellite. Its primary significance, based on the available data, stems from its association with the Apollo program, one of the most ambitious and historically important space exploration initiatives. As a component of the Apollo 16 mission, the subsatellite represents the program's broader scientific objectives beyond simply landing humans on the Moon.

The existence of dedicated subsatellites like this one demonstrates a commitment to gathering long-term data from lunar orbit, complementing the experiments conducted on the lunar surface and by the main Command/Service Module. Its designation as PFS-2 suggests a role in studying the lunar environment, specifically particles and fields. While details of its findings are not included in the source, its deployment was an integral part of the scientific payload for the penultimate Apollo lunar mission.

## Notable For
- **Apollo Program Association:** The satellite was a scientific component of the Apollo 16 mission, one of the few crewed missions to land on the Moon.
- **Saturn V Launch:** It was launched by the Saturn V, the super heavy-lift launch vehicle used by NASA for the Apollo program.
- **Official Designations:** The spacecraft is tracked and identified by multiple international codes, including COSPAR ID 1972-031D and Satellite Catalog Number 06009.
- **PFS-2 Alias:** It is also known as PFS-2, which likely stands for Particles and Fields Subsatellite 2, indicating its scientific purpose.

## Body
### Identification and Classification
The Apollo 16 Subsatellite is classified as a spacecraft. It is officially tracked under several international identifiers, ensuring its unique identification among thousands of objects orbiting Earth and in deep space.
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 06009
- **COSPAR ID:** 1972-031D
- **NSSDCA ID:** 1972-031D
- **Common Aliases:** PFS-2, Apollo 16D, Apollo16Subsatellite

### Launch Information
The subsatellite was launched as part of the larger Apollo 16 mission payload.
- **Launch Date:** April 16, 1972
- **Launch Vehicle:** Saturn V

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report