# Astrid-2

> Swedish research satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q12155954](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12155954)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/astrid-2

## Summary
Astrid-2 is a Swedish research satellite launched in 1998 as part of Sweden's Astrid microsatellite program. It was developed by the Swedish Space Corporation and followed the Astrid-1 satellite, continuing Sweden's contributions to space-based scientific research.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Research satellite and microsatellite (weighing 29 kg)
- **Operator**: Swedish Space Corporation
- **Launch Date**: December 10, 1998, at 11:57:07 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: Kosmos-3M rocket
- **Launch Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array with 4 panels
- **Predecessor**: Astrid-1 (launched earlier in the same program)
- **Country of Origin**: Sweden
- **COSPAR ID**: 1998-072B
- **NSSDCA ID**: 1998-072B

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Astrid-2?
A: Astrid-2 was a Swedish research satellite designed for scientific research, specifically as part of Sweden's microsatellite program. It followed Astrid-1 and continued Sweden's contributions to space-based scientific experiments.

### Q: Who built Astrid-2?
A: Astrid-2 was built by the Swedish Space Corporation, which also operated the satellite.

### Q: What was unique about Astrid-2's design?
A: Astrid-2 was a microsatellite, weighing only 29 kg, and was powered by a spacecraft solar array with four panels. It was part of Sweden's Astrid series, which aimed to advance scientific research in space.

### Q: Where was Astrid-2 launched from?
A: Astrid-2 was launched from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132 in Russia, using a Kosmos-3M rocket.

### Q: What was Astrid-2's orbit?
A: Astrid-2 operated in a low Earth orbit, typical for research satellites conducting scientific observations and experiments.

## Why It Matters
Astrid-2 played a significant role in Sweden's early contributions to space research, particularly in the field of microsatellites. As part of the Astrid program, it demonstrated Sweden's capability to develop and operate small, yet effective, research satellites. The satellite's launch and operation provided valuable data for scientific research, contributing to Sweden's growing presence in the space industry. Astrid-2's success paved the way for future Swedish space missions, showcasing the country's technological advancements and commitment to space exploration.

## Notable For
- **First Swedish Microsatellite**: Astrid-2 was one of the first microsatellites developed by Sweden, weighing only 29 kg.
- **Scientific Research Focus**: It was designed specifically for scientific research, continuing Sweden's efforts in space-based experiments.
- **Solar-Powered Design**: Astrid-2 utilized a spacecraft solar array with four panels, a common feature in microsatellites.
- **Low Earth Orbit Operations**: Its orbit was typical for research satellites, allowing for close observation and data collection.
- **Part of the Astrid Series**: Astrid-2 followed Astrid-1, contributing to Sweden's ongoing microsatellite program.

## Body
### Overview
Astrid-2 was a Swedish research satellite launched on December 10, 1998, as part of Sweden's Astrid microsatellite program. Developed by the Swedish Space Corporation, it was a microsatellite weighing 29 kg and powered by a spacecraft solar array with four panels. The satellite was launched from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132 using a Kosmos-3M rocket and operated in a low Earth orbit.

### Mission and Design
Astrid-2 was designed for scientific research, continuing Sweden's contributions to space-based experiments. It was part of the Astrid series, which aimed to advance scientific research through microsatellites. The satellite's lightweight design and solar-powered system were typical for microsatellites of the time.

### Launch and Operation
Astrid-2 was launched on December 10, 1998, at 11:57:07 UTC, following Astrid-1. It was operated by the Swedish Space Corporation and had a COSPAR ID of 1998-072B and an NSSDCA ID of 1998-072B. The satellite's launch and operation provided valuable data for scientific research, contributing to Sweden's growing presence in the space industry.

### Significance
Astrid-2's success demonstrated Sweden's capability to develop and operate small, yet effective, research satellites. It played a significant role in Sweden's early contributions to space research, particularly in the field of microsatellites. The satellite's launch and operation paved the way for future Swedish space missions, showcasing the country's technological advancements and commitment to space exploration.

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  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Astrid-2",
  "description": "Swedish research satellite launched in 1998 as part of Sweden's Astrid microsatellite program.",
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  "additionalType": "ResearchSatellite"
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## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/astrid-2.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report