# Ferret 2
**Wikidata**: [Q11697948](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q11697948)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ferret-2

## Summary
Ferret 2 was a reconnaissance satellite launched on January 16, 1963 from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1 using a Thor-Agena B launch vehicle.

## Key Facts
- Launched on January 16, 1963
- Launched from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1
- Used a Thor-Agena B launch vehicle
- Has COSPAR ID 1963-003A
- Classified as a reconnaissance satellite
- Part of a rocket launch event at Vandenberg on 1963-01-16

## FAQs
### Q: When was Ferret 2 launched?
A: Ferret 2 was launched on January 16, 1963.

### Q: What was the launch vehicle for Ferret 2?
A: The launch vehicle was a Thor-Agena B.

### Q: Where was Ferret 2 launched from?
A: It was launched from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1.

### Q: What is the COSPAR ID of Ferret 2?
A: The COSPAR ID is 1963-003A.

## Why It Matters
Ferret 2 represents an important component of Cold War reconnaissance technology, serving as a covert intelligence-gathering satellite that contributed to military and intelligence operations during a period of heightened global tensions. As a reconnaissance satellite, it played a role in surveillance capabilities that were critical for national security and strategic planning during the early 1960s.

## Notable For
- Was launched as part of the Thor-Agena B program
- Operated from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1
- Classified as a reconnaissance satellite for intelligence/military applications
- Used the COSPAR designation 1963-003A
- Represented a specific example of early satellite reconnaissance technology

## Body
### Technical Specifications
Ferret 2 was a reconnaissance satellite designed for covert data collection for intelligence or military applications. It was launched on January 16, 1963, using a Thor-Agena B launch vehicle from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1. The satellite was assigned the COSPAR ID 1963-003A.

### Launch Details
The launch occurred at Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1, which was a key site for launching reconnaissance and other military satellites during the Cold War era. The Thor-Agena B launch vehicle provided the necessary orbital capabilities for the satellite to achieve its reconnaissance mission.

### Operational Context
As a reconnaissance satellite, Ferret 2 was part of a broader program of intelligence-gathering technology that was critical during the early 1960s when global tensions were high. The satellite's mission would have involved collecting photographic or electronic intelligence from orbit, contributing to national security efforts.

### Classification and Purpose
The satellite was classified as a reconnaissance satellite, which is a type of satellite that covertly collects data for intelligence or military applications. This classification indicates its role in surveillance and strategic monitoring capabilities.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report