# Ariel 2

> radio astronomy satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q795127](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q795127)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ariel_2)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ariel-2

## Summary
Ariel 2 was a radio astronomy satellite launched on March 27, 1964, as part of the UK's Ariel programme. It was designed to study the Earth's ionosphere and atmosphere, contributing to early space-based research in these fields.

## Key Facts
- Launched on March 27, 1964, from Wallops Flight Facility Launch Area 3
- Part of the Ariel programme, preceded by Ariel 1 and succeeded by Ariel 3
- Mass: 68 kilograms
- Launched aboard a Scout X-3 rocket
- Operated by the Science and Engineering Research Council and NASA
- COSPAR ID: 1964-015A
- Orbit decayed on November 18, 1967
- Manufacturer: Westinghouse Electric Corporation
- Aliases: UK 2, UK-2, UK2, Ariel-2, UK-C, S-52, S52

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Ariel 2?
A: Ariel 2 was a radio astronomy satellite designed to study the Earth's ionosphere and atmosphere, contributing to early space-based research in these fields.

### Q: Who launched Ariel 2?
A: Ariel 2 was launched by the Science and Engineering Research Council and NASA, using a Scout X-3 rocket from Wallops Flight Facility Launch Area 3.

### Q: When was Ariel 2 launched and when did it deorbit?
A: Ariel 2 was launched on March 27, 1964, and its orbit decayed on November 18, 1967.

### Q: What was Ariel 2's mass?
A: Ariel 2 had a mass of 68 kilograms.

### Q: What were some of Ariel 2's aliases?
A: Ariel 2 was also known as UK 2, UK-2, UK2, Ariel-2, UK-C, S-52, and S52.

## Why It Matters
Ariel 2 played a crucial role in early radio astronomy and atmospheric research. As part of the UK's Ariel programme, it followed Ariel 1 and preceded Ariel 3, contributing to the understanding of the Earth's ionosphere and atmosphere. Its launch and operation provided valuable data for scientists, helping to advance space-based research in these fields. The satellite's relatively short operational period, from 1964 to 1967, marked an important phase in the study of Earth's upper atmosphere and ionosphere, laying groundwork for future missions.

## Notable For
- First in the Ariel programme to focus on radio astronomy
- Contributed to early ionospheric and atmospheric research
- Launched by a Scout X-3 rocket, a significant vehicle for early satellites
- Operated by both the UK's Science and Engineering Research Council and NASA
- Studied the Earth's ionosphere and atmosphere, providing foundational data

## Body
### Overview
Ariel 2 was a radio astronomy satellite launched as part of the UK's Ariel programme. It was designed to study the Earth's ionosphere and atmosphere, contributing to early space-based research in these fields.

### Launch and Operation
- **Launch Date**: March 27, 1964
- **Launch Site**: Wallops Flight Facility Launch Area 3
- **Launch Vehicle**: Scout X-3 rocket
- **Operators**: Science and Engineering Research Council and NASA
- **Manufacturer**: Westinghouse Electric Corporation
- **Mass**: 68 kilograms

### Mission Details
- **Primary Mission**: Radio astronomy and atmospheric research
- **COSPAR ID**: 1964-015A
- **Orbit Decay**: November 18, 1967

### Significance
- **Programme Context**: Part of the Ariel programme, following Ariel 1 and preceding Ariel 3
- **Scientific Contributions**: Provided valuable data on the Earth's ionosphere and atmosphere
- **Technological Advancements**: Demonstrated the capabilities of early radio astronomy satellites

### Aliases and Identifiers
- **Aliases**: UK 2, UK-2, UK2, Ariel-2, UK-C, S-52, S52
- **COSPAR ID**: 1964-015A
- **NSSDCA ID**: 1964-015A

```json
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  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Ariel 2",
  "description": "Radio astronomy satellite launched in 1964 as part of the UK's Ariel programme",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1695113", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ariel_2"],
  "additionalType": "ArtificialSatellite"
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## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013