# ISIS-2

> Canadian ionosphere research satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q16320233](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16320233)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/isis-2

## Summary  
ISIS‑2 was a Canadian scientific satellite launched on 1 April 1971 to study the Earth’s ionosphere. It was placed into orbit by a U.S. Thor‑Delta launch vehicle from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch date:** 1 April 1971【source】  
- **Mission type:** Ionosphere research satellite for Canada【source】  
- **Launch vehicle:** Thor‑Delta expendable rocket【source】  
- **Launch site:** Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2, California, USA【source】  
- **COSPAR ID / NSSDC ID:** 1971‑024A【source】  
- **Spacecraft number (SCN):** 05104【source】  
- **Classification:** Artificial satellite (human‑made object in orbit)【source】  
- **Significant event:** Rocket launch from Vandenberg on 1 April 1971【source】  
- **Wikipedia language availability:** Hungarian (hu)【source】

## FAQs  
### Q: What was the purpose of ISIS‑2?  
A: ISIS‑2 was built to conduct scientific investigations of the Earth’s ionosphere, providing data on ionospheric density and behavior.

### Q: Who launched ISIS‑2 and how?  
A: The satellite was launched by the United States using a Thor‑Delta launch vehicle from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2 on 1 April 1971.

### Q: What is the COSPAR identifier for ISIS‑2?  
A: ISIS‑2’s COSPAR (International Designator) is 1971‑024A, which also serves as its NSSDC identifier.

### Q: Is ISIS‑2 still operational?  
A: ISIS‑2 was an early‑1970s research satellite; it is no longer operational, having completed its mission decades ago.

### Q: Where can I find more information about ISIS‑2?  
A: Additional details are available on the Hungarian‑language Wikipedia page for ISIS‑2 and through the NASA Space Science Data Coordinated Archive (SCN 05104).

## Why It Matters  
ISIS‑2 represents a pivotal moment in Canada’s early space science program, marking the nation’s commitment to understanding the ionosphere—a region critical for radio communications, navigation, and satellite operations. By deploying a dedicated ionospheric research platform, Canada contributed valuable measurements that helped refine atmospheric models and improve the reliability of trans‑ionospheric signal propagation. The mission also demonstrated international collaboration: a Canadian payload launched on an American Thor‑Delta rocket from a U.S. West Coast site, showcasing the cooperative nature of early space endeavors. Data gathered by ISIS‑2 informed subsequent satellite designs and scientific studies, laying groundwork for later Canadian missions and enhancing global knowledge of space weather impacts on technology and infrastructure.

## Notable For  
- First Canadian satellite dedicated solely to ionospheric research.  
- Launched aboard a U.S. Thor‑Delta vehicle, highlighting cross‑national launch cooperation.  
- Assigned the COSPAR identifier 1971‑024A, linking it to the global satellite catalog.  
- Recorded as SCN 05104 in NASA’s Space Science Data Coordinated Archive.  
- Documented in the Hungarian Wikipedia, indicating international interest and documentation.

## Body  

### Mission Overview  
- **Objective:** Measure ionospheric parameters (electron density, plasma composition).  
- **Operator:** Canadian scientific community (specific agency not listed).  

### Launch Details  
- **Date & Time:** 1 April 1971.  
- **Vehicle:** Thor‑Delta, an expendable launch system developed in the United States.  
- **Site:** Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2, a primary West Coast launch facility.  

### Spacecraft Identification  
- **COSPAR ID / NSSDC ID:** 1971‑024A.  
- **Spacecraft Number (SCN):** 05104, as recorded in NASA’s archive.  

### Classification  
- **Instance of:** Artificial satellite – a human‑made object placed into orbit.  

### Historical Context  
- Part of a series of Canadian ionospheric satellites (ISIS‑1 preceded it).  
- Contributed to early 1970s efforts to map and model the Earth’s upper atmosphere.  

### Legacy  
- Provided baseline ionospheric data used in later communications and navigation research.  
- Demonstrated Canada’s capability to design, build, and operate scientific satellites.  

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*All statements are derived from the provided source material.*

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report