# Intercosmos 2
**Wikidata**: [Q1097408](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1097408)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/intercosmos-2

## Summary
Intercosmos 2 (also spelled Interkosmos 2) was a Soviet ionospheric research satellite launched in 1969. It belonged to the DS-U1-IK class of satellites and was carried into orbit by a Kosmos-2I rocket. Its mission focused on studying Earth's ionosphere.

## Key Facts
- **COSPAR ID**: 1969-110A  
- **Launch Date**: December 25, 1969  
- **Launch Site**: Kapustin Yar  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Kosmos-2I rocket  
- **Satellite Model**: DS-U1-IK  
- **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number)**: 04285  
- **Significant Event**: Rocket launch at 09:59:51 UTC from Kapustin Yar  
- **Aliases**: Interkosmos 2  

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Intercosmos 2?  
A: Intercosmos 2 was designed for ionospheric research, studying Earth's upper atmosphere to understand its effects on radio communications and space weather.  

### Q: Which rocket launched Intercosmos 2?  
A: It was launched aboard a Kosmos-2I rocket, a Soviet carrier rocket primarily used for small satellite deployments.  

### Q: When was Intercosmos 2 launched?  
A: It launched on December 25, 1969, at 09:59:51 UTC from the Kapustin Yar site.  

## Why It Matters  
Intercosmos 2 contributed to advancements in space science by collecting critical data on the ionosphere, a layer of Earth's atmosphere that influences radio wave propagation and satellite communications. As part of the Soviet Union's broader Intercosmos program, it also demonstrated international collaboration in space research, paving the way for future cooperative missions. Its findings helped improve understanding of atmospheric disturbances and their impact on technology, benefiting both civilian and military applications.  

## Notable For  
- One of the early Soviet satellites dedicated to ionospheric research.  
- Launched under the DS-U1-IK model series, specialized for upper-atmosphere studies.  
- Part of a broader scientific effort preceding later international space collaborations.  

## Body  
### Launch Details  
- **Date**: December 25, 1969  
- **Time**: 09:59:51 UTC  
- **Site**: Kapustin Yar, a key Soviet launch facility.  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Satellite Class**: DS-U1-IK, a Soviet design for ionospheric research.  
- **Carrier Rocket**: Kosmos-2I, a two-stage liquid-fueled rocket.  

### Mission Context  
- Conducted experiments on ionospheric properties.  
- Contributed data used in improving radio communication systems.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report