# Ariane 2

> rocket of the Ariane family

**Wikidata**: [Q18379](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q18379)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ariane_2)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ariane-2

## Summary
Ariane 2 was a medium-lift expendable launch vehicle in the Ariane family, developed by Aérospatiale and operated by Arianespace. It succeeded Ariane 1 and preceded Ariane 3, launching from 1986 to 1989 with a gross mass of 217,000 kg and a height of 49 meters.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Expendable launch vehicle and medium-lift launch vehicle
- **Gross mass**: 217,000 kg (gross weight)
- **Height**: 49 meters
- **Diameter**: 3.8 meters
- **Payload capacity**:
  - 2,175 kg to low Earth orbit
  - 2,270 kg to geostationary transfer orbit
- **Operational period**: 1986–1989
- **Manufacturer**: Aérospatiale
- **Operator**: Arianespace
- **Launch sites**: ELA-1 and ELA-2
- **Predecessor**: Ariane 1
- **Successor**: Ariane 3
- **Country of origin**: France

## FAQs
### Q: What was the primary purpose of Ariane 2?
A: Ariane 2 was designed to launch medium-sized satellites into low Earth orbit and geostationary transfer orbit, improving upon the capabilities of its predecessor, Ariane 1.

### Q: How many launches did Ariane 2 conduct?
A: Ariane 2 conducted 11 launches between 1986 and 1989, including notable missions such as Tele-X and TV-Sat 1.

### Q: What were the key improvements of Ariane 2 over Ariane 1?
A: Ariane 2 featured enhanced payload capacity and reliability, allowing it to carry heavier satellites compared to Ariane 1.

### Q: Which satellites were launched by Ariane 2?
A: Ariane 2 launched satellites such as Tele-X, TV-Sat 1, Columbia 515, NSS-513, and TDF 1.

### Q: Why was Ariane 2 retired?
A: Ariane 2 was retired in 1989 due to its limited payload capacity and the introduction of more advanced Ariane models like Ariane 3 and Ariane 4.

## Why It Matters
Ariane 2 played a crucial role in the evolution of the Ariane rocket family, bridging the gap between Ariane 1 and Ariane 3. It demonstrated improved payload capabilities and reliability, contributing to the success of the Ariane program. The rocket’s launches included significant satellites like Tele-X and TV-Sat 1, showcasing its role in advancing satellite communications. Despite its retirement in 1989, Ariane 2’s legacy laid the foundation for future advancements in space launch technology.

## Notable For
- **Improved payload capacity**: Ariane 2 could carry heavier satellites than Ariane 1, enhancing its utility for commercial and scientific missions.
- **Notable launches**: Successfully deployed satellites such as Tele-X and TV-Sat 1, which were pivotal in their respective fields.
- **Transition model**: Served as a stepping stone between Ariane 1 and Ariane 3, refining the Ariane rocket’s design and performance.
- **French space leadership**: Demonstrated Aérospatiale’s and Arianespace’s commitment to advancing European space capabilities.
- **Geostationary transfer orbit capability**: Enabled the launch of satellites into higher orbits, supporting advanced communication and navigation systems.

## Body
### Overview
Ariane 2 was a three-stage-to-orbit medium-lift launch vehicle developed by Aérospatiale and operated by Arianespace. It succeeded Ariane 1 and preceded Ariane 3, marking a significant evolution in the Ariane rocket family.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 217,000 kg (gross weight)
- **Height**: 49 meters
- **Diameter**: 3.8 meters
- **Payload capacity**:
  - 2,175 kg to low Earth orbit
  - 2,270 kg to geostationary transfer orbit
- **Stages**:
  - First stage: L144B
  - Second stage: L33B
  - Third stage: H10

### Operational History
- **First launch**: May 31, 1986
- **Last launch**: April 2, 1989
- **Total launches**: 11
- **Launch sites**: ELA-1 and ELA-2

### Notable Missions
- **Tele-X**: A Swedish communications satellite launched in 1988.
- **TV-Sat 1**: A West German communication satellite launched in 1988.
- **Columbia 515**: A communications satellite launched in 1987.
- **NSS-513**: A geostationary communications satellite launched in 1987.
- **TDF 1**: A French communications satellite launched in 1987.

### Legacy
Ariane 2’s contributions to the Ariane program included improved payload capabilities and reliability, setting the stage for the more advanced Ariane 3 and Ariane 4 models. Its missions supported the deployment of critical satellites, reinforcing its role in advancing satellite communications and space exploration.

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## References

1. [Source](http://www.astronautix.com/a/ariane2.html)
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_lau_det/ariane-2.htm)
4. [Source](https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Ariane_1_2_32)