# Orbcomm-OG2 1 > prototype designed to test second generation OG2 satellites **Wikidata**: [Q14083938](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q14083938) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/orbcomm-og2-1 ## Summary Orbcomm-OG2 1 was a prototype communications satellite designed to test the second-generation OG2 satellite series. Launched in 2012, it was operated by Orbcomm but ceased operations shortly after launch due to an early atmospheric reentry. ## Key Facts - **Purpose**: Prototype for testing second-generation OG2 satellites. - **Mass**: 142 kilograms. - **Operator**: Orbcomm. - **Launch Date**: October 8, 2012, at 00:35:07 UTC. - **Launch Vehicle**: Falcon 9 v1.0 (first member of the Falcon 9 launch vehicle family). - **Launch Site**: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40. - **Orbit Decay**: Reentered Earth's atmosphere on October 10, 2012. - **Identifiers**: - COSPAR ID: 2012-054B - NSSDCA ID: 2012-054B - Satellite Catalog Number (SCN): 38847 - **Aliases**: Orbcomm OG2-1, Orbcomm FM101, Orbcomm OG2. - **Classification**: Subclass of communications satellite, former entity (no longer operational). - **Country of Origin**: United States. - **Significant Events**: - Rocket launch (October 8, 2012). - Atmospheric entry (October 10, 2012). ## FAQs **What was Orbcomm-OG2 1?** Orbcomm-OG2 1 was a prototype satellite developed by Orbcomm to test the capabilities of its second-generation OG2 communications satellites. **When was Orbcomm-OG2 1 launched?** It was launched on October 8, 2012, at 00:35:07 UTC from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40. **What happened to Orbcomm-OG2 1 after launch?** The satellite reentered Earth's atmosphere on October 10, 2012, just two days after launch, ending its operational life prematurely. **What was the mass of Orbcomm-OG2 1?** The satellite had a mass of 142 kilograms. **What launch vehicle was used for Orbcomm-OG2 1?** It was launched aboard a Falcon 9 v1.0 rocket, the first member of the Falcon 9 launch vehicle family. ## Why It Matters Orbcomm-OG2 1 played a crucial role in the development of Orbcomm's second-generation satellite constellation. As a prototype, it was intended to validate new technologies and operational concepts for the OG2 series, which aimed to enhance global machine-to-machine (M2M) communications. Although its mission was cut short due to an early reentry, the data gathered from its brief operation contributed to the refinement of subsequent OG2 satellites. The mission also highlighted the challenges of early satellite deployment and the importance of robust testing in space missions. ## Notable For - Being the first prototype for Orbcomm's second-generation OG2 satellites. - Launching aboard the Falcon 9 v1.0, marking an early use of SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket for commercial satellite deployment. - Its short operational lifespan, reentering Earth's atmosphere just two days after launch. - Contributing to the development of advanced communications satellite technology for global M2M applications. ## Body ### Overview Orbcomm-OG2 1 was a prototype satellite designed to test and validate the technologies intended for Orbcomm's second-generation OG2 satellite constellation. As part of Orbcomm's broader mission to provide global machine-to-machine (M2M) communications, this satellite was a critical step in advancing the company's capabilities in satellite-based data transmission. ### Launch and Mission Details Orbcomm-OG2 1 was launched on October 8, 2012, at 00:35:07 UTC from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40. The launch vehicle was the Falcon 9 v1.0, the first member of SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket family. This launch was significant as it represented one of the early commercial uses of the Falcon 9 rocket, which has since become a cornerstone of SpaceX's launch services. ### Technical Specifications The satellite had a mass of 142 kilograms, making it a relatively lightweight communications satellite. Its design was focused on testing the new technologies and systems that would be used in the full OG2 constellation. The satellite was assigned several identifiers, including the COSPAR ID 2012-054B, NSSDCA ID 2012-054B, and Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) 38847. ### Operational Life and Reentry Despite its successful launch, Orbcomm-OG2 1's operational life was brief. The satellite reentered Earth's atmosphere on October 10, 2012, just two days after its launch. This early reentry marked the end of its mission, but the data collected during its short time in orbit was valuable for the development of subsequent OG2 satellites. ### Significance and Impact Orbcomm-OG2 1 was part of Orbcomm's efforts to enhance its satellite communications network. The OG2 series was designed to improve the company's ability to provide global M2M communications, which are essential for various industries, including transportation, logistics, and remote monitoring. Although the prototype's mission was cut short, the insights gained from its launch and brief operation contributed to the refinement of the OG2 satellite design and operational protocols. ### Related Entities - **Orbcomm-OG2 [class]**: The broader class of second-generation communications satellites that Orbcomm-OG2 1 was designed to test. - **Falcon 9 v1.0 [class]**: The launch vehicle used for Orbcomm-OG2 1, representing an early version of SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket. - **Former Entity**: A classification indicating that Orbcomm-OG2 1 is no longer operational. ### Conclusion Orbcomm-OG2 1, though short-lived, played a pivotal role in the development of Orbcomm's second-generation satellite constellation. Its launch and the data gathered from its brief operation provided valuable insights that helped shape the future of the OG2 series and advanced the field of satellite communications. ## References 1. Jonathan's Space Report 2. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/displayTrajectory.action?id=2012-054B) 3. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=2012-054B)