# ODERACS 2E
**Wikidata**: [Q4379736](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4379736)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ODERACS_2E)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/oderacs-2e

## Summary
ODERACS 2E is a spacecraft launched on February 3, 1995, as part of a mission to study space debris and orbital decay. It is designated as a component of the Orbital Debris Radar Calibration Sphere (ODERACS) program, designed to help calibrate radar systems tracking orbital objects. The satellite remains significant for its role in understanding space environment dynamics.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: February 3, 1995
- **COSPAR ID**: 1995-004G
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 23475
- **Aliases**: ОДЕРАКС-2Е, Программа "ОДЕРАКС"
- **Instance Of**: Spacecraft
- **Mission Focus**: Calibration of radar systems for orbital debris tracking
- **Design**: Passive, non-powered spherical structure

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

### Q: What was the primary purpose of the ODERACS 2E mission?
A: Its primary purpose was to serve as a calibration target for radar systems tracking orbital debris, helping scientists better understand space debris behavior and orbital decay.

### Q: Is ODERACS 2E still operational?
A: As a passive satellite, it does not require active systems to function, but its current status as a tracked orbital object depends on ongoing monitoring efforts.

## Why It Matters
ODERACS 2E plays a critical role in advancing understanding of space debris and its impact on satellite operations. By providing a standardized target for radar calibration, it has helped improve the accuracy of orbital debris tracking systems, which is essential for safeguarding operational spacecraft and planning sustainable space activities. The mission contributed to long-term efforts to mitigate collision risks in Earth’s orbit, a growing concern as the number of space objects increases. Its data supports international guidelines for space debris mitigation and informs strategies for maintaining orbital safety.

## Notable For
- **Passive Design**: Operated without onboard propulsion or power, relying solely on its physical presence for radar calibration.
- **Orbital Decay Studies**: Provided critical data on how atmospheric drag affects small objects in low Earth orbit.
- **International Collaboration**: Contributed to global efforts to monitor and manage space debris through shared radar calibration standards.

## Body
### Launch and Mission Context
ODERACS 2E was launched on February 3, 1995, as part of a broader initiative to address the challenges posed by space debris. The satellite was assigned the COSPAR ID 1995-004G and the Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) 23475, enabling precise tracking and identification.

### Design and Function
- **Structure**: The spacecraft was designed as a passive, spherical object tailored for radar calibration.
- **Purpose**: Its primary function was to serve as a reference point for ground-based radar systems, helping to refine the accuracy of orbital debris tracking technologies.

### Scientific Contribution
- **Orbital Decay Observations**: By monitoring the satellite’s orbital trajectory, scientists gathered data on atmospheric drag effects and orbital decay rates, critical for predicting the lifespan of space objects.
- **Space Debris Mitigation**: The mission supported the development of models and guidelines aimed at reducing collision risks and promoting sustainable space operations.

### Legacy
ODERACS 2E remains a notable example of collaborative efforts to address space sustainability challenges. Its role in calibrating radar systems has had lasting implications for space traffic management and debris monitoring protocols.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report