# ODERACS 2C
**Wikidata**: [Q55641294](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q55641294)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ODERACS_2C)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/oderacs-2c

## Summary
ODERACS 2C is a spacecraft launched on February 3, 1995, as part of the Orbital Debris Radar Calibration Spheres (ODERACS) program. It was designed to help calibrate radar and optical systems for tracking orbital debris.

## Key Facts
- Launch date: February 3, 1995
- Spacecraft catalog number: 23473
- COSPAR ID: 1995-004E
- Instance of: spacecraft
- Wikipedia title: ODERACS 2C
- Google Knowledge Graph ID: /g/11g0ld2c9f
- Wolfram Language entity code: Entity["Satellite", "23473"]
- Sitelink count: 1
- Available in: English Wikipedia

## FAQs
### Q: What is ODERACS 2C?
A: ODERACS 2C is a spacecraft launched in 1995 as part of a NASA program to deploy calibration spheres for orbital debris tracking systems.

### Q: When was ODERACS 2C launched?
A: ODERACS 2C was launched on February 3, 1995.

### Q: What was the purpose of ODERACS 2C?
A: ODERACS 2C was designed to serve as a calibration target for radar and optical systems used to track orbital debris.

## Why It Matters
ODERACS 2C plays a crucial role in space debris monitoring and tracking efforts. As part of the ODERACS program, it provides a known reference object that helps calibrate and validate the performance of ground-based and space-based tracking systems. This calibration is essential for accurately detecting, cataloging, and tracking the growing population of orbital debris, which poses risks to operational satellites and spacecraft. The data collected using ODERACS 2C contributes to our understanding of the orbital debris environment and helps inform strategies for space traffic management and debris mitigation.

## Notable For
- Part of NASA's ODERACS program for orbital debris calibration
- Provides known reference for radar and optical tracking system calibration
- Helps improve accuracy of orbital debris detection and tracking
- Contributes to space situational awareness efforts
- Serves as a calibration standard for debris size and distance measurements

## Body
### Technical Specifications
ODERACS 2C is one of several calibration spheres deployed as part of the ODERACS program. These spheres are designed to have known physical characteristics, allowing tracking systems to accurately measure their size, distance, and orbital parameters.

### Program Context
The ODERACS (Orbital Debris Radar Calibration Spheres) program was initiated by NASA to address the growing concern about orbital debris and the need for accurate tracking systems. The program deploys multiple calibration spheres of different sizes to help validate and improve debris tracking capabilities.

### Operational Role
As a calibration target, ODERACS 2C serves multiple purposes:
- Provides a known object for testing radar cross-section measurements
- Helps validate optical tracking system performance
- Contributes to the development of debris size estimation algorithms
- Supports the calibration of debris flux models

### Tracking and Monitoring
The spacecraft's well-defined characteristics make it an ideal target for:
- Radar system calibration and performance verification
- Optical telescope system testing
- Development of automated tracking algorithms
- Validation of debris detection software

### Legacy and Impact
ODERACS 2C continues to serve as a valuable calibration asset for the space debris tracking community. Its deployment has contributed to improved accuracy in debris detection and tracking, which is essential for protecting active spacecraft and maintaining the long-term sustainability of the space environment.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report