# Firewheel Sub-Sat 2

> This sun-payload would have been ejected from FIRE-A, and carried diagnostic instruments for observation of the ion releases in the night magnetosphere.

**Wikidata**: [Q113274035](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q113274035)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/firewheel-sub-sat-2

## Summary
Firewheel Sub-Sat 2 is a spacecraft identified by the NSSDCA ID FIRE-B. Launched on May 23, 1980, from Kourou aboard an Ariane vehicle, it was designed as a sun-payload to be ejected from the FIRE-A spacecraft. Its primary mission was to carry diagnostic instruments for observing ion releases in the night magnetosphere.

## Key Facts
- **Instance Of:** Spacecraft
- **NSSDCA ID:** FIRE-B
- **Launch Date:** May 23, 1980
- **Launch Site:** Kourou
- **Launch Vehicle:** Ariane (European rocket family)
- **Mission Configuration:** Designed as a "sun-payload" to be ejected from the parent spacecraft FIRE-A
- **Primary Payload:** Diagnostic instruments
- **Target Observation:** Ion releases in the night magnetosphere

## FAQs
### Q: What was the primary purpose of Firewheel Sub-Sat 2?
A: The spacecraft was designed to carry diagnostic instruments used for observing ion releases specifically within the night magnetosphere.

### Q: How was Firewheel Sub-Sat 2 deployed?
A: It was configured as a "sun-payload" that would have been ejected from the main spacecraft, FIRE-A, to conduct its observations.

### Q: When and how was Firewheel Sub-Sat 2 launched?
A: The spacecraft launched on May 23, 1980, from Kourou using an Ariane rocket.

## Why It Matters
Firewheel Sub-Sat 2 represents a specialized approach to magnetospheric research, utilizing a "mother-daughter" architecture where a sub-satellite is ejected from a main vehicle (FIRE-A) to perform distinct measurements. This configuration allows for multi-point observations of space phenomena, specifically targeting the behavior of ion releases in the night sector of the magnetosphere. By deploying diagnostic instruments separately from the main craft, the mission facilitates specific data collection regarding plasma physics and space weather dynamics. Its launch via the Ariane rocket family also situates it within the broader context of European space exploration capabilities during the early 1980s.

## Notable For
- Being a subordinate "sun-payload" designed for ejection from a parent spacecraft (FIRE-A).
- Specific focus on the "night magnetosphere" rather than the day side.
- Carrying specialized diagnostic instrumentation for ion observation.
- Launching on the Ariane rocket family from the Kourou spaceport.

## Body
### Mission Design and Configuration
Firewheel Sub-Sat 2 is classified as a spacecraft, distinct from its carrier vehicle, FIRE-A. The operational design dictates that the sub-satellite would be ejected from FIRE-A after launch. This deployment method identifies it as a "sun-payload," a term indicating its separation from the main bus to conduct independent or complementary measurements.

### Scientific Objectives
The core function of the Firewheel Sub-Sat 2 revolves around the study of the Earth's magnetosphere. It is equipped with diagnostic instruments specifically tasked with the observation of ion releases. The mission profile targets the night magnetosphere, a region of space shielded from the sun, which exhibits different physical characteristics and plasma behaviors than the sun-facing side.

### Launch and Operations
According to structured property data, the spacecraft has an NSSDCA ID of FIRE-B. It successfully launched on May 23, 1980. The mission utilized the Ariane rocket family as its launch vehicle and originated from the Kourou spaceport.