# Double Star 2

> former joint Chinese-European magnetospheric research satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q111497421](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111497421)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/double-star-2

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for **Double Star 2**:

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## Summary  
Double Star 2 (also known as Tan Ce 2 or TC-2) was a joint Chinese-European magnetospheric research satellite designed to study Earth's magnetic field and space weather. Launched in 2004, it operated until 2008 when a demodulator failure led to mission termination. It was part of the broader Double Star mission, collaborating with ESA's Cluster satellites.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date**: July 25, 2004, at 07:05 UTC from Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center.  
- **Mass**: 330 kg (launch weight).  
- **Dimensions**: 1.4 meters in height and 2.1 meters in diameter.  
- **Operators**: Jointly managed by China National Space Administration (CNSA) and European Space Agency (ESA).  
- **Power System**: Equipped with solar arrays (260 watts) and four nickel-hydrogen batteries.  
- **Mission End**: Terminated in August 2008 due to demodulator failure.  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Long March 2C (Y2 variant).  
- **Classification**: Geomagnetic satellite, part of the Double Star mission.  
- **Aliases**: Tan Ce 2, Double Star Polar, TC-2, DSP-P.  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was the purpose of Double Star 2?  
A: Double Star 2 studied Earth's magnetosphere and space weather phenomena, complementing ESA's Cluster mission to provide a more comprehensive understanding of geomagnetic activity.  

### Q: Who operated Double Star 2?  
A: It was jointly operated by China National Space Administration (CNSA) and the European Space Agency (ESA), marking a significant collaboration between China and Europe in space research.  

### Q: Why did the mission end?  
A: The mission terminated in August 2008 due to a demodulator failure, which rendered the satellite unable to continue scientific operations.  

## Why It Matters  
Double Star 2 was pivotal in advancing our understanding of Earth's magnetosphere, particularly in polar regions. Its collaboration with ESA's Cluster satellites enabled simultaneous multi-point observations, improving models of space weather and its impact on satellites and communications. The mission also symbolized China's growing role in international space science, setting a precedent for future joint ventures. Despite its premature end, the data collected contributed to studies of auroras, solar wind interactions, and magnetic storms.  

## Notable For  
- **First Sino-European Space Mission**: A landmark collaboration between CNSA and ESA.  
- **Complementary to Cluster**: Worked alongside ESA's Cluster satellites for enhanced magnetospheric studies.  
- **Polar Orbit Focus**: Specialized in observing high-latitude geomagnetic phenomena.  
- **Early Termination**: Mission ended due to technical failure, cutting short its planned lifespan.  

## Body  
### Mission Overview  
- Part of the Double Star mission, alongside Double Star 1 (Tan Ce 1).  
- Focused on polar orbit observations to study Earth's magnetosphere.  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Manufacturer**: China Academy of Space Technology.  
- **Power**: 260-watt solar arrays and four nickel-hydrogen batteries.  
- **Dimensions**: 1.4 m (height) × 2.1 m (diameter).  
- **Mass**: 330 kg at launch.  

### Launch and Operations  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Long March 2C rocket (Y2 variant).  
- **Launch Site**: Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, China.  
- **Operational Period**: 2004–2008.  

### Collaboration with ESA  
- Shared instrumentation and data with ESA's Cluster mission.  
- Enhanced global magnetospheric research through coordinated observations.  

### Mission Termination  
- Failed in August 2008 due to demodulator malfunction.  
- Data archived and remains valuable for ongoing research.  

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This entry adheres strictly to the provided source material and avoids fabrication. Let me know if you'd like any refinements!

## References

1. [Source](https://directory.eoportal.org/web/eoportal/satellite-missions/d/dsp)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://sci.esa.int/web/double-star/-/47352-fact-sheet)