# Orbiting Astronomical Observatory B

> NASA space observatory launched in 1970, lost when rocket fairing failed to separate

**Wikidata**: [Q112913694](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q112913694)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/orbiting-astronomical-observatory-b

## Summary
Orbiting Astronomical Observatory B (OAO-B) was a NASA space telescope launched on November 30, 1970, as part of the Orbiting Astronomical Observatory series. It failed shortly after launch when its rocket fairing failed to separate, rendering the mission a loss.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: November 30, 1970, at 22:40:05 UTC from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 36.
- **Mass**: 2,122.8 kilograms.
- **Operator**: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
- **Launch Vehicle**: Atlas SLV-3C Centaur-D (AC-21).
- **Manufacturer**: Grumman.
- **Class**: Space telescope, part of the Orbiting Astronomical Observatory series.
- **Failure Cause**: Rocket fairing failed to separate, leading to mission loss.
- **Capital Cost**: $98 million (1970 USD).
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array (2 arrays).
- **Named After**: Robert H. Goddard.
- **Country of Origin**: United States.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Orbiting Astronomical Observatory B?
A: OAO-B was designed as a space telescope to observe distant space objects, continuing the mission of its predecessors in the Orbiting Astronomical Observatory series.

### Q: Why did Orbiting Astronomical Observatory B fail?
A: The mission failed because the rocket fairing failed to separate after launch, causing the spacecraft to be lost.

### Q: Who operated Orbiting Astronomical Observatory B?
A: The observatory was operated by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

### Q: What was the launch vehicle for OAO-B?
A: OAO-B was launched using the Atlas SLV-3C Centaur-D rocket (AC-21).

### Q: How much did OAO-B cost?
A: The mission had a capital cost of $98 million (1970 USD).

## Why It Matters
Orbiting Astronomical Observatory B was part of NASA's broader mission to advance space-based astronomy. The OAO series aimed to study celestial objects in ultraviolet and X-ray wavelengths, which are difficult to observe from Earth's surface. OAO-B, like its predecessors, was designed to provide high-resolution observations of stars, galaxies, and other astronomical phenomena. However, its failure highlighted the challenges of space exploration, including the complexity of launch systems and the risks associated with space missions. Despite its short-lived success, OAO-B contributed to the foundational work of space telescopes, paving the way for future missions like the Hubble Space Telescope.

## Notable For
- **First in Series**: OAO-B was the third in the Orbiting Astronomical Observatory series, following OAO-A and OAO-C.
- **Technological Innovation**: It featured advanced solar arrays for power, a key development for space telescopes.
- **Named After a Pioneer**: The observatory was named after Robert H. Goddard, a pioneering figure in rocketry.
- **Failed Mission**: Its failure due to a rocket fairing issue underscored the risks of early space missions.
- **Cost-Effective Design**: Despite its high cost, OAO-B was designed to be cost-effective for its time.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Orbiting Astronomical Observatory B (OAO-B) was launched on November 30, 1970, as part of NASA's Orbiting Astronomical Observatory (OAO) program. The OAO series aimed to study celestial objects in ultraviolet and X-ray wavelengths, which are challenging to observe from Earth's surface. OAO-B was designed to provide high-resolution observations of stars, galaxies, and other astronomical phenomena.

### Launch and Failure
OAO-B was launched using the Atlas SLV-3C Centaur-D rocket (AC-21) from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 36. The mission encountered a critical failure when the rocket fairing failed to separate, resulting in the loss of the spacecraft. This incident highlighted the complexities and risks associated with early space missions.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 2,122.8 kilograms.
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array (2 arrays).
- **Manufacturer**: Grumman.
- **Capital Cost**: $98 million (1970 USD).

### Legacy
Despite its short-lived success, OAO-B contributed to the foundational work of space telescopes. Its failure provided valuable lessons for future missions, including the development of more reliable launch systems. The observatory was named after Robert H. Goddard, a pioneer in rocketry, reflecting its role in advancing space exploration. OAO-B remains a notable example of early space-based astronomy and the challenges of pioneering space missions.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/oao-b.htm)
2. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=OAO-B)
3. Jonathan's Space Report
4. [Source](https://www.nytimes.com/1971/01/13/archives/a-faulty-bolt-is-blamed-for-failure-of-satellite.html)