# FASTRAC 2

> technology demonstration satellite developed by the University of Texas at Austin

**Wikidata**: [Q14152737](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q14152737)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/fastrac-2

## Summary
FASTRAC 2 is a technology demonstration microsatellite developed by the University of Texas at Austin, launched on November 20, 2010. It was part of the FASTRAC program and sponsored by the Air Force Research Laboratory, serving as a platform to test experimental technologies in space.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Technology demonstration spacecraft and microsatellite (weighing 15 kg)
- **Launch Date**: November 20, 2010, at 01:21 UTC from Pacific Spaceport Complex – Alaska
- **Launch Vehicle**: Minotaur IV (Flight 3)
- **Operator**: University of Texas at Austin
- **Sponsor**: Air Force Research Laboratory
- **Mass**: 15 kilograms
- **Aliases**: Emma, Nanosat 3B, USA-228, FASTRAC-OSCAR 70, FO 70, FAST 2
- **COSPAR ID**: 2010-062M
- **Instance Of**: Technology demonstration spacecraft, microsatellite

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of FASTRAC 2?
A: FASTRAC 2 was a microsatellite designed to demonstrate experimental technologies in space, sponsored by the Air Force Research Laboratory.

### Q: Who developed FASTRAC 2?
A: FASTRAC 2 was developed by the University of Texas at Austin and operated by the same institution.

### Q: What was the launch vehicle for FASTRAC 2?
A: FASTRAC 2 was launched on a Minotaur IV rocket (Flight 3) from Pacific Spaceport Complex – Alaska on November 20, 2010.

### Q: How much did FASTRAC 2 weigh?
A: FASTRAC 2 had a mass of 15 kilograms, classifying it as a microsatellite.

### Q: What are some of its other known names?
A: FASTRAC 2 is also referred to as Emma, Nanosat 3B, USA-228, FASTRAC-OSCAR 70, FO 70, and FAST 2.

## Why It Matters
FASTRAC 2 played a crucial role in advancing space technology by serving as a platform for testing experimental technologies in orbit. As part of the FASTRAC program, it was sponsored by the Air Force Research Laboratory and developed by the University of Texas at Austin. Its launch on November 20, 2010, marked a significant step in demonstrating the feasibility of microsatellites for technology demonstrations. The satellite's lightweight design (15 kg) and successful deployment contributed to the broader understanding of small satellite capabilities in space exploration and research.

## Notable For
- **First of its kind**: One of the earliest microsatellites (15 kg) dedicated to technology demonstration.
- **Multi-named**: Known by multiple aliases, including Emma and Nanosat 3B.
- **Air Force collaboration**: Sponsored by the Air Force Research Laboratory, reflecting its role in military and aerospace research.
- **Minotaur IV launch**: Launched on Minotaur IV (Flight 3), a derivative of the Peacekeeper ICBM.
- **COSPAR ID**: Assigned the COSPAR ID 2010-062M, indicating its official recognition in space tracking systems.

## Body
### Overview
FASTRAC 2 was a 15-kilogram microsatellite developed by the University of Texas at Austin. It was part of the FASTRAC program, which aimed to demonstrate experimental technologies in space. The satellite was sponsored by the Air Force Research Laboratory and operated by the University of Texas at Austin.

### Launch Details
- **Launch Date**: November 20, 2010, at 01:21 UTC.
- **Launch Site**: Pacific Spaceport Complex – Alaska.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Minotaur IV (Flight 3), a derivative of the Peacekeeper ICBM.

### Identification
- **COSPAR ID**: 2010-062M.
- **Aliases**: Emma, Nanosat 3B, USA-228, FASTRAC-OSCAR 70, FO 70, FAST 2.

### Classification
- **Type**: Technology demonstration spacecraft and microsatellite.
- **Mass**: 15 kilograms.

### Significance
FASTRAC 2 was notable for its role in advancing microsatellite technology and serving as a platform for testing experimental technologies in orbit. Its successful deployment contributed to the broader understanding of small satellite capabilities in space exploration and research.

## References

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