# ESRO-2B

> research satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q2944742](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2944742)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESRO_2B)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/esro-2b

## Summary  
ESRO-2B was a research satellite launched by the European Space Research Organisation (ESRO) on May 17, 1968. It was designed to investigate cosmic radiation and was part of Europe's early space science missions. The satellite was launched successfully after the failure of its predecessor, ESRO-2A.

## Key Facts  
- Launched on **May 17, 1968**, at **02:06 UTC** from **Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 5**  
- Operated by the **European Space Research Organisation (ESRO)**  
- Manufacturer: **Hawker Siddeley** and **Matra**  
- Launch vehicle: **Scout B** rocket (serial number S161C)  
- COSPAR ID: **1968-041A**  
- NSSDCA ID: **1968-041A**  
- Also known as **IRIS-2**, **International Radiation Investigation Satellite 2**, and **Iris**  
- Preceded by **ESRO-2A**, which was lost during launch  
- Instance of: **artificial satellite**

## FAQs  
### Q: What was the purpose of ESRO-2B?  
A: ESRO-2B was a research satellite designed to study cosmic radiation in Earth’s orbit. Its mission contributed to understanding space weather and radiation environments.

### Q: When was ESRO-2B launched?  
A: ESRO-2B was launched on **May 17, 1968**, at **02:06 UTC** from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.

### Q: Who built ESRO-2B?  
A: ESRO-2B was manufactured by **Hawker Siddeley** and **Matra**, under the direction of the European Space Research Organisation.

## Why It Matters  
ESRO-2B represents a pivotal moment in European space exploration. As one of the early scientific satellites developed under the auspices of ESRO, it demonstrated Europe's growing capability in space-based research. Following the loss of its predecessor, ESRO-2A, the successful deployment of ESRO-2B validated critical engineering and operational procedures for future missions. The satellite’s data on cosmic radiation helped lay the groundwork for more advanced studies of the near-Earth environment, contributing to both scientific knowledge and practical applications in astronautics and satellite design.

## Notable For  
- Successful follow-up to the failed **ESRO-2A** mission  
- One of the first European satellites dedicated to **cosmic radiation research**  
- Built through international collaboration between **British** (Hawker Siddeley) and **French** (Matra) manufacturers  
- Launched using the reliable **Scout B** rocket, showcasing transatlantic cooperation  
- Known by multiple names including **IRIS-2** and **Iris**, reflecting its international scientific identity  

## Body  
### Mission Overview  
ESRO-2B was developed as part of the European Space Research Organisation's program to advance space science in Europe. It was specifically tasked with investigating cosmic radiation, a key area of interest for understanding the hazards and phenomena associated with outer space.

### Development and Construction  
The satellite was jointly manufactured by:  
- **Hawker Siddeley Dynamics** (UK)  
- **Matra** (France)  

This collaboration reflected the multinational character of early European space initiatives.

### Launch Details  
- **Launch Date**: May 17, 1968  
- **Launch Time**: 02:06 UTC  
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 5  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Scout B (Serial Number: S161C)  
- **Outcome**: Successful orbital insertion  

### Technical Identifiers  
- **COSPAR ID**: 1968-041A  
- **NSSDCA ID**: 1968-041A  
- **Freebase ID**: /m/080pl1_  
- **SCN**: 03233  

### Operational Context  
ESRO-2B succeeded the failed **ESRO-2A**, which was destroyed during launch. The success of ESRO-2B marked a recovery for ESRO’s scientific satellite program and reinforced confidence in collaborative European space ventures.

### Alternate Names  
- **IRIS-2** – International Radiation Investigation Satellite 2  
- **Iris**  
- **ESRO-2B**

Note: ESRO-2B is **not the same** as **IRIS²**, a later unrelated project.

### Related Entities  
- **Predecessor**: ESRO-2A (research satellite lost in launch failure)  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Scout B (rocket model)  
- **Manufacturer Affiliates**: Matra Computer Automations (Spanish game developer; no direct involvement in ESRO-2B but shares corporate lineage with Matra)

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## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report