# Navigation Technology Satellite-2

> American experimental military navigation satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q135670533](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q135670533)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/navigation-technology-satellite-2

## Summary
Navigation Technology Satellite-2 (NTS-2) was an American experimental military navigation satellite launched in 1977. It was part of the Navigation Technology Satellite series, designed to demonstrate advanced navigation technologies for the U.S. military. The satellite was developed by the United States Naval Research Laboratory and operated by the Space Test Program.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Technology demonstration spacecraft and navigation satellite
- **Operator**: Space Test Program
- **Launch Date**: June 23, 1977, at 08:17 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: Atlas E/F (Flight 65F)
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 3 West
- **Orbit**: Medium Earth orbit
- **Mass**: 431 kilograms
- **Manufacturer**: United States Naval Research Laboratory
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array (2)
- **Predecessor**: Navigation Technology Satellite-1
- **Successor**: Navigation Technology Satellite-3
- **Part of Series**: Navigation Technology Satellite and Timation
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **COSPAR ID**: 1977-053A
- **NSSDCA ID**: 1977-053A

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Navigation Technology Satellite-2?
A: Navigation Technology Satellite-2 was an experimental military navigation satellite designed to demonstrate advanced navigation technologies for the U.S. military. It was part of the Navigation Technology Satellite series, which aimed to develop and test new navigation systems.

### Q: Who developed Navigation Technology Satellite-2?
A: Navigation Technology Satellite-2 was developed by the United States Naval Research Laboratory, a corporate research laboratory for the United States Navy and Marine Corps.

### Q: When was Navigation Technology Satellite-2 launched?
A: Navigation Technology Satellite-2 was launched on June 23, 1977, at 08:17 UTC from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 3 West aboard an Atlas E/F rocket.

### Q: What was the orbit of Navigation Technology Satellite-2?
A: Navigation Technology Satellite-2 was placed in a medium Earth orbit.

### Q: What was the mass of Navigation Technology Satellite-2?
A: Navigation Technology Satellite-2 had a mass of 431 kilograms.

## Why It Matters
Navigation Technology Satellite-2 played a crucial role in advancing military navigation technologies. As part of the Navigation Technology Satellite series, it contributed to the development of more accurate and reliable navigation systems for the U.S. military. The satellite's successful demonstration of experimental technologies helped pave the way for future navigation satellites, including those in the Timation series. Its launch and operation provided valuable data and insights that enhanced the capabilities of military navigation systems, ensuring greater precision and effectiveness in various operational scenarios.

## Notable For
- **First in Series**: NTS-2 was the second satellite in the Navigation Technology Satellite series, following NTS-1.
- **Military Focus**: Designed specifically for military navigation, demonstrating technologies critical to defense applications.
- **Technology Demonstration**: Successfully tested experimental navigation technologies, contributing to the advancement of military navigation systems.
- **Medium Earth Orbit**: Operated in a medium Earth orbit, providing a stable platform for navigation experiments.
- **Partnership**: Developed in collaboration with the United States Naval Research Laboratory, leveraging its expertise in navigation and space technologies.

## Body
### Overview
Navigation Technology Satellite-2 (NTS-2) was an American experimental military navigation satellite launched on June 23, 1977. It was part of the Navigation Technology Satellite series, which aimed to demonstrate advanced navigation technologies for the U.S. military. The satellite was developed by the United States Naval Research Laboratory and operated by the Space Test Program.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 431 kilograms
- **Orbit**: Medium Earth orbit
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array (2)
- **Launch Vehicle**: Atlas E/F (Flight 65F)
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 3 West
- **Launch Date**: June 23, 1977, at 08:17 UTC
- **COSPAR ID**: 1977-053A
- **NSSDCA ID**: 1977-053A

### Series and Relationships
- **Predecessor**: Navigation Technology Satellite-1
- **Successor**: Navigation Technology Satellite-3
- **Part of Series**: Navigation Technology Satellite and Timation

### Significance
NTS-2 was significant for its role in advancing military navigation technologies. As part of the Navigation Technology Satellite series, it contributed to the development of more accurate and reliable navigation systems for the U.S. military. The satellite's successful demonstration of experimental technologies helped pave the way for future navigation satellites, including those in the Timation series. Its launch and operation provided valuable data and insights that enhanced the capabilities of military navigation systems, ensuring greater precision and effectiveness in various operational scenarios.

## Schema Markup
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## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/nts-2.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report