# Oreol 2

> Soviet-French research satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q54233](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q54233)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/oreol-2

## Summary
Oreol 2 was a Soviet-French research satellite launched on December 26, 1973. It was part of the Auréole series, specifically a DS-U2-GKA model, designed for magnetospheric and atmospheric research. The satellite weighed 348 kg and was powered by four spacecraft solar arrays.

## Key Facts
*   **Launch Date:** December 26, 1973, at 16:30:01 UTC.
*   **Type:** A DS-U2-GKA model, which is a Soviet-French magnetospheric research satellite.
*   **Mass:** 348 kilograms.
*   **Aliases:** Auréole 2, DS-U2-GKA No. 2, ARCAD 2.
*   **Countries Involved:** Soviet Union and France.
*   **Launch Vehicle:** Kosmos-3M (serial number 65024-111).
*   **Launch Site:** Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132.
*   **Manufacturer:** Pivdenne Design Office.
*   **Orbit:** Low Earth orbit and highly elliptical orbit.
*   **Power Source:** Four spacecraft solar arrays.
*   **Preceded By:** Oreol 1.
*   **Followed By:** Oreol 3.
*   **Part Of:** Auréole series of Soviet-French atmospheric research satellites.
*   **COSPAR ID:** 1973-107A.
*   **SCN:** 07003.

## FAQs
### Q: What was Oreol 2?
A: Oreol 2 was a Soviet-French research satellite, launched in 1973, primarily for magnetospheric and atmospheric studies. It was part of the Auréole series of satellites.

### Q: When was Oreol 2 launched?
A: Oreol 2 was launched on December 26, 1973, at 16:30:01 UTC. The launch took place from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132.

### Q: What was the purpose of Oreol 2?
A: The primary purpose of Oreol 2 was magnetospheric and atmospheric research, studying the Earth's upper atmosphere and magnetosphere. It was a joint scientific endeavor between the Soviet Union and France.

### Q: Who manufactured Oreol 2?
A: Oreol 2 was manufactured by the Pivdenne Design Office. It was a collaborative project between the Soviet Union and France.

### Q: What was the mass of Oreol 2?
A: Oreol 2 had a mass of 348 kilograms. It was powered by four spacecraft solar arrays.

## Why It Matters
Oreol 2 holds significance as a pioneering example of international collaboration in space research during the Cold War era, specifically between the Soviet Union and France. As part of the Auréole series, it contributed to a broader understanding of Earth's magnetosphere and atmosphere, critical regions that influence space weather and protect our planet from solar radiation. By providing data from its highly elliptical and low Earth orbits, Oreol 2 helped scientists analyze phenomena like auroras and the interaction of solar wind with Earth's magnetic field. Its successful operation, following Oreol 1 and preceding Oreol 3, demonstrated a sustained commitment to these scientific investigations and laid groundwork for future joint space missions, advancing both scientific knowledge and diplomatic relations through shared scientific goals. The data collected by such satellites is fundamental to developing models that predict space weather, which can impact satellite operations, communication systems, and power grids on Earth.

## Notable For
*   **Joint International Collaboration:** One of the early successful Soviet-French space research satellites, demonstrating significant international scientific cooperation.
*   **Dedicated Magnetospheric Research:** Specifically designed as a magnetospheric research satellite (DS-U2-GKA model) to study Earth's magnetosphere and atmosphere.
*   **Part of a Series:** It was the second satellite in the Auréole series, indicating a sustained and progressive research program in this field.
*   **Specific Launch Vehicle:** Launched using the Kosmos-3M rocket, a reliable Soviet launch vehicle.

## Body

### Overview
Oreol 2 was a Soviet-French research satellite, also known by its aliases Auréole 2, DS-U2-GKA No. 2, and ARCAD 2. It was classified as a DS-U2-GKA model, which is a type of Soviet-French magnetospheric research satellite. The satellite was part of the broader Auréole series, which focused on atmospheric research.

### Development and Origin
The satellite was a collaborative project between the Soviet Union and France. Its country of origin is the Soviet Union, with manufacturing handled by the Pivdenne Design Office. Oreol 2 followed Oreol 1 and was succeeded by Oreol 3 within the Auréole program.

### Launch Details
Oreol 2 was launched on December 26, 1973, at 16:30:01 UTC. The launch vehicle used was a Kosmos-3M rocket, specifically serial number 65024-111. The launch took place from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132. Its COSPAR ID is 1973-107A, and its SCN is 07003.

### Specifications and Mission
The satellite had a mass of 348 kilograms. It was powered by four spacecraft solar arrays. Oreol 2 was placed into both a low Earth orbit and a highly elliptical orbit to conduct its research. Its primary mission was magnetospheric and atmospheric research.

```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Satellite",
  "name": "Oreol 2",
  "alternateName": ["Auréole 2", "DS-U2-GKA No. 2", "ARCAD 2"],
  "description": "Soviet-French research satellite launched on December 26, 1973, for magnetospheric and atmospheric research.",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367"
  ],
  "additionalType": "https://schema.org/ResearchProject",
  "launchDate": "1973-12-26T16:30:01Z",
  "manufacturer": {
    "@type": "Organization",
    "name": "Pivdenne Design Office"
  },
  "mass": {
    "@type": "QuantitativeValue",
    "value": 348,
    "unitCode": "KGM"
  },
  "countryOfOrigin": "Soviet Union",
  "partOfSeries": "Auréole",
  "precededBy": {
    "@type": "Satellite",
    "name": "Oreol 1"
  },
  "followedBy": {
    "@type": "Satellite",
    "name": "Oreol 3"
  },
  "disambiguatingDescription": "Soviet-French magnetospheric research satellite of the DS-U2-GKA class."
}

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/oreol-1.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report