# Beacon Explorer-B

> NASA ionospheric research satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q23738](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q23738)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Explorer_22)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/beacon-explorer-b

## Summary
Beacon Explorer-B, also known as Explorer 22, is a NASA ionospheric research satellite launched in 1964 to conduct scientific studies of the Earth's atmosphere. Part of the Explorers Program, it was designed to collect data on the ionosphere from a low Earth orbit.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date:** October 10, 1964, at 03:01
- **Alternative Names:** Explorer 22, S-66B, BE-B, Explorer XXII
- **Mass:** 59 kilograms
- **Manufacturer:** Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
- **Launch Vehicle:** Scout X-4 (S123R)
- **Launch Site:** Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 5
- **Power Source:** Four spacecraft solar arrays
- **Mission End:** Significant failure recorded in February 1970
- **Classification:** Research satellite (ionospheric research)

## FAQs
### Q: What was the primary mission of Beacon Explorer-B?
A: Beacon Explorer-B was a NASA research satellite designed for ionospheric research. It was part of the Explorers Program and aimed to study the scientific properties of the Earth's ionosphere from low Earth orbit.

### Q: What launch vehicle was used for Beacon Explorer-B?
A: The satellite was launched using a Scout X-4 rocket, specifically the S123R model. It was launched from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 5 in the United States.

### Q: How does Beacon Explorer-B relate to other satellites in the Explorer program?
A: It followed the Beacon Explorer-A mission, which was lost due to a launch failure, and Explorer 21. It was succeeded by Beacon Explorer C and Explorer 23.

### Q: What were the physical dimensions of the satellite?
A: The spacecraft bus had a diameter of 0.4668 meters. However, its solar array system was significantly larger, with a diameter of 7.2563 meters.

## Why It Matters
Beacon Explorer-B served as a critical component of NASA's Explorers Program during the mid-1960s. Its successful deployment was particularly significant because its predecessor, Beacon Explorer-A, had been lost due to a launch failure. By reaching low Earth orbit, Beacon Explorer-B allowed NASA to proceed with planned ionospheric research that was essential for understanding atmospheric physics. 

The satellite represented a collaborative technical effort, manufactured by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory and operated by NASA. It remained operational for over five years, providing a period of sustained data collection before experiencing a failure in February 1970. Its mission contributed to the broader scientific objectives of the Explorers Program, which focused on artificial satellites designed for various types of scientific research.

## Notable For
- **Successful Recovery:** It successfully fulfilled the mission objectives intended for the lost Beacon Explorer-A.
- **Solar Array Design:** Featured a large solar array configuration with a diameter of 7.2563 meters, providing power to the 59 kg craft.
- **Longevity:** Maintained operations in low Earth orbit from its launch in October 1964 until February 1970.
- **Program Continuity:** Served as a bridge in the sequence of NASA ionospheric research, positioned between the Explorer 21 and Explorer 23 missions.

## Body

### Mission and Program Context
Beacon Explorer-B (Explorer 22) was an artificial satellite classified as a research satellite. It was part of the NASA Explorers Program, a series of missions dedicated to scientific discovery in space. The satellite's specific focus was ionospheric research, aimed at gathering data while positioned in low Earth orbit.

### Technical Specifications
The satellite was manufactured by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. It had a total mass of 59 kilograms. The physical structure consisted of:
*   **Spacecraft Bus:** A diameter of 0.4668 meters.
*   **Solar Arrays:** Four arrays with a total diameter of 7.2563 meters.
*   **Power:** The craft was powered exclusively by its spacecraft solar arrays.

### Launch Details
The mission launched on October 10, 1964, at 03:01 UTC. The launch took place at Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 5 in the United States. The launch vehicle utilized was a Scout X-4, an American launch vehicle from the Scout family, designated with the serial number S123R.

### Mission Timeline and Identifiers
Beacon Explorer-B is identified in tracking systems by the COSPAR ID 1964-064A and the NSSDCA ID 1964-064A. It is also cataloged under SCN 00899. The satellite followed the missions of Beacon Explorer-A and Explorer 21. It was eventually followed by Beacon Explorer C and Explorer 23. The mission's primary operational phase concluded following a failure reported in February 1970.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Beacon Explorer-B",
  "description": "NASA ionospheric research satellite part of the Explorers Program.",
  "alternateName": ["Explorer 22", "S-66B", "BE-B", "Explorer XXII"],
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1551807"],
  "additionalType": "http://www.wikidata.org/entity/Q160302"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/explorer_be.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1964-064A)
4. [Source](https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/19650005987)