# CAT-2

> ESA artificial satellite, lost in a launch failure

**Wikidata**: [Q21400673](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q21400673)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cat-2

## Summary
CAT-2 was an artificial satellite developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) for scientific research, lost in a launch failure on May 23, 1980. It was part of the Ariane Technological Capsule series and was intended to follow CAT-1.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: May 23, 1980, at 14:29:39 UTC.
- **Operator**: European Space Agency (ESA).
- **Manufacturer**: Aeritalia and Selenia.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Ariane 1 (flight L02).
- **Launch Site**: ELA-1.
- **Power Source**: Primary cell.
- **Preceded by**: CAT-1.
- **Followed by**: CAT-3.
- **Significant Event**: Lost in a launch failure on May 23, 1980.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of CAT-2?
A: CAT-2 was a research satellite designed for scientific research by the European Space Agency (ESA).

### Q: When was CAT-2 launched?
A: CAT-2 was launched on May 23, 1980, at 14:29:39 UTC.

### Q: What happened to CAT-2?
A: CAT-2 was lost in a launch failure on May 23, 1980.

### Q: Who manufactured CAT-2?
A: CAT-2 was manufactured by Aeritalia and Selenia.

### Q: What was the launch vehicle for CAT-2?
A: CAT-2 was launched using the Ariane 1 rocket (flight L02).

## Why It Matters
CAT-2, though lost in a launch failure, represents an important part of the European Space Agency's early efforts in satellite technology and scientific research. The failure of CAT-2 highlights the challenges and risks inherent in space exploration and satellite launches. It also underscores the iterative nature of technological development, where each mission, successful or not, contributes to the advancement of space science and engineering. The lessons learned from such failures are crucial for improving future missions and ensuring the reliability of launch vehicles and satellite systems.

## Notable For
- Being part of the Ariane Technological Capsule series.
- Representing an early effort by the European Space Agency in satellite technology.
- Highlighting the risks and challenges of space exploration through its launch failure.
- Contributing to the iterative development of satellite and launch vehicle technology.

## Body
### Overview
CAT-2, also known as Ariane Technological Capsule 2, was an artificial satellite developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) for scientific research. It was part of a series of technological capsules designed to test and validate new technologies in space.

### Launch and Failure
CAT-2 was launched on May 23, 1980, at 14:29:39 UTC from the ELA-1 launch site using the Ariane 1 rocket (flight L02). Unfortunately, the mission ended in failure, and the satellite was lost.

### Manufacturers and Power Source
The satellite was manufactured by Aeritalia and Selenia. It was powered by primary cells, which are non-rechargeable batteries designed for short-term use.

### Context within the CAT Series
CAT-2 was preceded by CAT-1 and was intended to be followed by CAT-3. The series was part of ESA's efforts to develop and test new technologies for space applications.

### Significance
Despite its failure, CAT-2 contributes to the broader narrative of space exploration, illustrating the complexities and risks involved in launching satellites. The mission's outcome would have provided valuable data and insights for improving future launches and satellite designs.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "CAT-2",
  "description": "ESA artificial satellite, lost in a launch failure",
  "url": "https://www.esa.int/",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12345678", "https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/CAT-2"],
  "additionalType": "ResearchSatellite"
}

## References

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