# Dynamics Explorer 2

> NASA geomagnetic satellite in the Dynamics Explorer mission

**Wikidata**: [Q109973765](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q109973765)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynamics_Explorer_2)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/dynamics-explorer-2

## Summary
Dynamics Explorer 2 (DE-2) was a NASA geomagnetic satellite launched on August 3, 1981, as part of the Dynamics Explorer mission. It was designed to study Earth's magnetosphere and related regions, operating alongside its twin satellite, Dynamics Explorer 1. The spacecraft had a mass of 420 kilograms and was powered by a solar array.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Geomagnetic satellite
- **Mission**: Part of the Dynamics Explorer program
- **Launch Date**: August 3, 1981, at 09:56 UTC
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2 West
- **Launch Vehicle**: Delta 3000 (D-155)
- **Mass**: 420 kilograms
- **Dimensions**: 115 cm height, 137 cm diameter
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array (115 watts)
- **Manufacturer**: RCA Corporation
- **Operator**: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **Orbit Decay**: February 19, 1983
- **Aliases**: Dynamics Explorer-B, Explorer 63, DE-B, DE 2

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Dynamics Explorer 2?
A: Dynamics Explorer 2 was designed to study Earth's magnetosphere and related regions, working in conjunction with its twin satellite, Dynamics Explorer 1.

### Q: When was Dynamics Explorer 2 launched, and how?
A: It was launched on August 3, 1981, at 09:56 UTC from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2 West aboard a Delta 3000 rocket (D-155).

### Q: How long did Dynamics Explorer 2 operate?
A: The satellite operated until its orbit decayed on February 19, 1983.

### Q: What were the key specifications of Dynamics Explorer 2?
A: The spacecraft had a mass of 420 kilograms, a height of 115 cm, and a diameter of 137 cm. It was powered by a solar array.

### Q: Who built Dynamics Explorer 2, and which organization operated it?
A: It was built by RCA Corporation and operated by NASA.

## Why It Matters
Dynamics Explorer 2 played a crucial role in advancing our understanding of Earth's magnetosphere and its interaction with the solar wind. As part of the Dynamics Explorer mission, it provided complementary data to its twin satellite, Dynamics Explorer 1, enhancing the overall scientific output of the program. The mission contributed to the study of atmospheric dynamics, particularly in the upper atmosphere, and helped improve models of geomagnetic phenomena. Its data remains valuable for researchers studying space weather and its effects on Earth's environment.

## Notable For
- **Twin Satellite Collaboration**: Operated alongside Dynamics Explorer 1 to provide comprehensive data on Earth's magnetosphere.
- **Solar Array Power**: Utilized a spacecraft solar array for power, generating 115 watts.
- **Delta 3000 Launch**: Launched aboard a Delta 3000 rocket, specifically the D-155 variant.
- **RCA Corporation Construction**: Built by RCA Corporation, a significant contractor in early space missions.
- **NASA Operation**: Operated by NASA, contributing to the agency's exploration of Earth's magnetosphere.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Dynamics Explorer 2 was launched as part of the Dynamics Explorer mission, which aimed to study the Earth's magnetosphere and its interaction with the solar wind. The mission involved two identical satellites, Dynamics Explorer 1 and Dynamics Explorer 2, to provide comprehensive data on geomagnetic phenomena.

### Launch Details
The satellite was launched on August 3, 1981, at 09:56 UTC from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2 West. It was carried into orbit by a Delta 3000 rocket, specifically the D-155 variant, which was part of the Delta family of expendable launch systems.

### Technical Specifications
Dynamics Explorer 2 had a mass of 420 kilograms and dimensions of 115 cm in height and 137 cm in diameter. It was powered by a spacecraft solar array, which generated 115 watts of power. The satellite was built by RCA Corporation and operated by NASA.

### Scientific Contributions
The satellite contributed to the study of Earth's magnetosphere, providing data on atmospheric dynamics and geomagnetic interactions. Its twin satellite, Dynamics Explorer 1, worked in conjunction to enhance the mission's scientific output. The data collected by Dynamics Explorer 2 has been used to improve models of space weather and its effects on Earth's environment.

### Operational Period
Dynamics Explorer 2 operated until its orbit decayed on February 19, 1983. Despite its relatively short operational period, it made significant contributions to the field of space science.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/explorer_de.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1981-070B)