# Magnetospheric Multiscale 2

> spacecraft in the Magnetospheric Multiscale constellation

**Wikidata**: [Q113274560](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q113274560)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/magnetospheric-multiscale-2

## Summary
Magnetospheric Multiscale 2 (MMS 2) is one of four identical spacecraft forming the NASA Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission constellation, launched specifically to study Earth's magnetosphere and magnetic reconnection events. It operates in a highly elliptical orbit, part of a coordinated mission probing fundamental plasma physics processes.

## Key Facts
-   **Launch Date:** 2015-03-13 at 02:44 UTC.
-   **Launch Vehicle:** Atlas V 421 (AV-053).
-   **Launch Site:** Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41.
-   **Operator:** National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
-   **Mission:** Part of the Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission (MMS) constellation.
-   **Orbit Type:** Highly elliptical orbit.
-   **Spacecraft Class:** Geomagnetic satellite.
-   **Aliases:** MMS 2, Solar Terrestrial Probe 4B (STP 4B), Paul, MMS2.
-   **COSPAR ID:** 2015-011B.
-   **NSSDCA ID:** 2015-011B.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary mission of Magnetospheric Multiscale 2?
A: Magnetospheric Multiscale 2 is one of four spacecraft in the NASA MMS constellation, designed to study Earth's magnetosphere, specifically the fundamental process of magnetic reconnection.

### Q: When and where was Magnetospheric Multiscale 2 launched?
A: It was launched on 2015-03-13 at 02:44 UTC from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41 using an Atlas V 421 rocket (AV-053).

### Q: How does Magnetospheric Multiscale 2 relate to other MMS spacecraft?
A: It is one of four identical satellites (MMS 1, MMS 2, MMS 3, MMS 4) forming the Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission constellation, operating together to provide three-dimensional measurements of magnetic reconnection.

### Q: What type of orbit does Magnetospheric Multiscale 2 use?
A: The spacecraft operates in a highly elliptical orbit around Earth, specifically designed for magnetospheric research.

## Why It Matters
Magnetospheric Multiscale 2 is critically important because it constitutes one-fourth of a pioneering space mission dedicated to solving one of the most challenging problems in space physics: magnetic reconnection. This process, where magnetic field lines break and reconnect explosively, releases enormous amounts of energy, driving events like solar flares, geomagnetic storms, and the aurora. By flying in a precise tetrahedral formation, MMS 2 and its three sister spacecraft capture the first-ever three-dimensional, high-resolution measurements of reconnection events in Earth's magnetosphere. This data provides unprecedented insights into plasma physics that occur throughout the universe, influencing our understanding of space weather's impact on satellites, communications, and power grids, as well as fundamental astrophysical phenomena like those occurring around stars and black holes.

## Notable For
-   Being one of four identical spacecraft in the Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission (MMS) constellation.
-   Operating in a highly elliptical Earth orbit optimized for magnetospheric science.
-   Sharing the same launch date (2015-03-13), vehicle (Atlas V 421), and operator (NASA) as its MMS sister satellites.
-   Carrying the alias "Paul" among its designations (MMS 2, STP 4B, MMS2).
-   Designated with the specific COSPAR/NSSDCA identifier 2015-011B.

## Body
### Launch Profile
-   Magnetospheric Multiscale 2 was launched on **2015-03-13** at **02:44 UTC**.
-   The launch vehicle was an **Atlas V 421** (specifically **AV-053**).
-   Launch occurred from **Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41**.
-   This launch represented a significant event in space exploration, occurring on that specific date from that specific facility.
-   The launch is recorded as a significant event with qualifier details including the location and precise time.

### Mission Context
-   Magnetospheric Multiscale 2 is fundamentally an instance of a **geomagnetic satellite**.
-   It is a core component of the **Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission** (MMS) constellation.
-   The **operator** of the spacecraft and the mission is the **National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)**.
-   The mission's scientific focus is the study of Earth's **magnetosphere** and related regions.
-   Magnetospheric Multiscale 2 operates within a **highly elliptical orbit** around Earth.
-   It is part of a constellation designed to enable coordinated, multi-point observations of magnetic reconnection phenomena.

### Identification
-   The spacecraft has the **COSPAR ID 2015-011B**.
-   Its **NSSDCA ID** is also **2015-011B**.
-   It is known by several **aliases**: **MMS 2**, **Solar Terrestrial Probe 4B (STP 4B)**, **Paul**, and **MMS2**.
-   The spacecraft has the **serial number (scn) 40483**.
-   It is specifically referred to as a **spacecraft in the Magnetospheric Multiscale constellation**.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report