# Orbiting Carbon Observatory 2

> NASA climate satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q17304903](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q17304903)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orbiting_Carbon_Observatory_2)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/orbiting-carbon-observatory-2

## Summary
Orbiting Carbon Observatory 2 (OCO-2) is a NASA Earth observation satellite designed to study climate from a Sun-synchronous orbit. Launched on July 2, 2014, it serves as a replacement for the original Orbiting Carbon Observatory and is part of the "A-Train" satellite constellation. The spacecraft was manufactured by Orbital Sciences Corporation and carries three high-resolution spectrometers to observe the Earth.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date:** July 2, 2014, at 09:56:23.
- **Operator:** National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
- **Manufacturer:** Orbital Sciences Corporation.
- **Class:** Earth observation satellite (NASA climate satellite).
- **Orbit:** Sun-synchronous orbit; part of the "A-Train" satellite formation.
- **Launch Vehicle:** Delta II (variant D-367).
- **Launch Site:** Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2 West.
- **Mass:** 454 kilograms (launch weight).
- **Dimensions:** 2.12 metres in length and 0.94 metres in diameter (spacecraft bus).
- **Power:** Powered by a spacecraft solar array with a capacity of 815 watts.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the Orbiting Carbon Observatory 2?
A: The Orbiting Carbon Observatory 2 (OCO-2) is a NASA satellite dedicated to Earth observation and climate study. It operates from a Sun-synchronous orbit and carries three optical spectrometers to gather data.

### Q: When was OCO-2 launched?
A: OCO-2 was successfully launched on July 2, 2014, at 09:56:23 UTC from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2 West aboard a Delta II rocket.

### Q: What scientific instruments does OCO-2 carry?
A: The satellite carries three optical spectrometers. These instruments are designed to observe Earth and collect climate-related data.

### Q: What is the relationship between OCO-2 and other OCO missions?
A: OCO-2 replaces the original Orbiting Carbon Observatory. It is followed in the series by the Orbiting Carbon Observatory 3.

## Why It Matters
The Orbiting Carbon Observatory 2 represents a critical component of NASA's Earth science program, specifically focused on climate monitoring. As an Earth observation satellite, it fills the gap left by the failure of the original Orbiting Carbon Observatory, ensuring the continuity of specialized data collection. The satellite is notable for its inclusion in the "A-Train," a coordinated constellation of satellites that allows for synchronized Earth observation, enhancing the depth and utility of the data collected.

Built by Orbital Sciences Corporation on the Star Bus platform, OCO-2 demonstrates the application of specific aerospace technologies in climate science. Its mission, designed for a minimum service life of two years but extending beyond that, provides essential measurements via its three optical spectrometers. By maintaining a Sun-synchronous orbit, the satellite ensures consistent lighting conditions for its observations, which is vital for the accuracy required in climate studies.

## Notable For
- **A-Train Constellation:** It is a participating satellite in the "A-Train" (Afternoon Train), a formation of Earth observation satellites.
- **Replacement Mission:** It successfully replaces the original Orbiting Carbon Observatory.
- **Specialized Instrumentation:** Carries three distinct optical spectrometers for high-precision observation.
- **Launch Vehicle:** It was launched aboard the Delta II, a retired expendable launch system.
- **Platform:** Utilizes the Star Bus spacecraft bus manufactured by Orbital Sciences Corporation.

## Body

### Physical Specifications
The Orbiting Carbon Observatory 2 has a launch mass of 454 kilograms. The spacecraft bus measures 2.12 metres in length and 0.94 metres in diameter. It is powered by two solar arrays capable of generating 815 watts of power.

### Mission History
The satellite was launched on July 2, 2014, using a Delta II rocket (variant D-367) from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2 West. The launch marked a significant event as it deployed a satellite with a design life of two years. It was assigned the COSPAR ID 2014-035A and the NSSDCA ID 2014-035A.

### Organizational Context
OCO-2 is operated by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and was manufactured by Orbital Sciences Corporation. It is classified as an Earth observation satellite and functions as a climate satellite. It orbits the Earth in a Sun-synchronous orbit.

### Series Context
This satellite is the second in the Orbiting Carbon Observatory series. It replaces the first Orbiting Carbon Observatory and was later followed by the Orbiting Carbon Observatory 3.

### Identifiers
- **Aliases:** OCO-2, OCO2, OCO 2
- **COSPAR ID:** 2014-035A
- **SCN:** 40059
- **Freebase ID:** /m/0_g08h6

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/oco.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/press_kits/oco2-launch-press-kit.pdf)