# B-SAT 2A

> 26720

**Wikidata**: [Q111497646](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111497646)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/b-sat-2a

## Summary
B-SAT 2A is an artificial satellite identified by the designation 26720. As a human-made object placed into orbit, it functions as a specialized spacecraft designed for tasks such as communication, navigation, or scientific observation.

## Key Facts
- **Entity Name**: B-SAT 2A
- **Classification**: Instance of an Artificial Satellite
- **Identifier**: 26720 (used in raw description and Wikidata description)
- **Wolfram Language Entity Code**: `Entity["Satellite", "26720"]`
- **Definition**: A human-made object placed into orbit around a celestial body.
- **Broader Category**: Spacecraft

## FAQs
### Q: What is B-SAT 2A?
A: B-SAT 2A is an artificial satellite, which is defined as a human-made object placed into orbit around a celestial body, typically Earth. It is technically classified as an instance of a spacecraft.

### Q: What specific identifiers are associated with B-SAT 2A?
A: The entity is associated with the number 26720, which appears in its raw description and serves as its Wolfram Language entity code (`Entity["Satellite", "26720"]`).

### Q: How is B-SAT 2A classified within space infrastructure?
A: It is classified as an "artificial satellite," distinguishing it from natural satellites (like moons) and broader spacecraft categories like probes or crewed vehicles.

### Q: What functions do artificial satellites like B-SAT 2A typically serve?
A: While specific mission details for B-SAT 2A are derived from its class, artificial satellites generally support communication, navigation, scientific research, and military applications.

## Why It Matters
B-SAT 2A matters as a constituent part of the global space infrastructure. As an artificial satellite, it represents the technological capability to utilize orbital space for human needs, a practice that began with Sputnik 1 in 1957. Satellites in this category are critical for modern civilization, enabling the backbone of global communication, navigation systems (GPS), and real-time Earth monitoring. They facilitate essential services ranging from internet connectivity and television broadcasting to military surveillance and environmental tracking.

## Notable For
- **Spacecraft Classification**: Notable as a distinct instance of an artificial satellite (Entity ID 26720).
- **Orbital Technology**: Represents the class of human-made objects successfully placed into orbit.
- **Modern Infrastructure**: Part of the essential network of satellites that support global telephony and data systems.

## Body
### Definition and Classification
B-SAT 2A is identified as an **artificial satellite**. An artificial satellite is defined as a human-made object placed into orbit around a celestial body, typically the Earth. It is a subclass of **spacecraft**, specifically engineered to operate in the harsh environment of space. Unlike natural satellites, these objects are launched by rockets and serve specific operational goals.

### Contextual Background of Artificial Satellites
The category to which B-SAT 2A belongs—artificial satellites—has a defined history and set of characteristics established by the provided source material:

*   **Origins**: The first artificial satellite was **Sputnik 1**, launched by the Soviet Union on October 4, 1957. This event marked the beginning of the space age.
*   **Operational Mechanism**: Satellites maintain orbit through a balance of gravitational pull and forward velocity, which creates centrifugal force to counteract gravity.
*   **Orbital Types**: Satellites may operate in various orbits, including **Geostationary** (fixed over a specific point), **Low Earth Orbit (LEO)**, or **Heliocentric** orbits (around the Sun).

### Variants and Applications
As an artificial satellite, B-SAT 2A conceptually relates to the various forms and functions of this technology, which include:

*   **Passive Satellites**: Objects like Project Echo (1960) that simply reflected signals.
*   **Tethered Satellites**: Systems consisting of two parts connected by a cable.
*   **Miniaturized Satellites**: Small variants such as **femtosatellites** and **picosatellites**, often weighing less than 1 kg.
*   **Specialized Satellites**: Advanced concepts like orbital power plants designed to capture and wirelessly transmit solar energy.

### Global Utility
Artificial satellites like B-SAT 2A are integral to modern life. They enable:
*   **Communication**: Television, internet, and telephony backbones.
*   **Navigation**: GPS and positioning systems.
*   **Military Applications**: Secure communications (e.g., Syracuse 4) and surveillance.
*   **Scientific Research**: Studying the Earth's atmosphere, climate, and geodetic measurements (e.g., PAGEOS, 1966).

### Technical Identifiers
B-SAT 2A is specifically tracked via the identifier **26720**. This numerical designation is utilized in the Wolfram Language as `Entity["Satellite", "26720"]` and serves as the primary data point distinguishing this specific entity within knowledge bases.