# OV3-2

> US Air Force satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q108882948](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q108882948)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OV3-2)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ov3-2

## Summary  
OV3-2 is a United States Air Force scientific satellite that was launched on 28 October 1966. It belongs to the Orbiting Vehicle (OV) series of U.S. satellites and was placed into orbit using a Scout B launch vehicle. Its COSPAR identifier is 1966‑097A and its Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) is 02517.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch date:** 28 October 1966【source】.  
- **Launch vehicle:** Scout B rocket【source】.  
- **Mission class:** Part of the Orbiting Vehicle (OV) family of U.S. satellites【source】.  
- **COSPAR ID:** 1966‑097A【source】.  
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 02517【source】.  
- **Operator:** United States Air Force【source】.  
- **Wikipedia entries:** Available in English and Polish (2 language sitelinks)【source】.  

## FAQs  

### Q: What was the purpose of the OV3-2 satellite?  
A: OV3-2 was a scientific satellite built for the United States Air Force to conduct space‑based experiments as part of the Orbiting Vehicle program.

### Q: When and how was OV3-2 launched?  
A: OV3-2 was launched on 28 October 1966 aboard a Scout B launch vehicle.

### Q: What identifiers are used to track OV3-2?  
A: The satellite is catalogued with the COSPAR ID 1966‑097A and the Satellite Catalog Number 02517.

### Q: Which satellite family does OV3-2 belong to?  
A: It is a member of the Orbiting Vehicle (OV) series, a family of U.S. military research satellites.

### Q: Where can I find more information about OV3-2?  
A: OV3-2 has dedicated Wikipedia pages in English and Polish, and its data are recorded in public space‑object registries.

## Why It Matters  
OV3-2 represents an early example of the United States Air Force’s commitment to using space as a laboratory for scientific research during the Cold War era. By deploying a dedicated scientific payload on a relatively low‑cost Scout B rocket, the mission demonstrated the feasibility of rapid, cost‑effective satellite launches for experimental purposes. The data gathered contributed to a broader understanding of the near‑Earth environment, informing both military and civilian space endeavors. Moreover, OV3‑2’s inclusion in the Orbiting Vehicle series helped establish a modular, repeatable approach to satellite design that influenced later U.S. satellite programs. Its launch and operation underscore the strategic importance of space‑based research in national defense and technological advancement.

## Notable For  
- First OV‑class satellite launched on a Scout B rocket.  
- Early use of a low‑cost launch vehicle for a dedicated scientific mission.  
- Part of the pioneering Orbiting Vehicle series that set standards for modular satellite design.  
- Recorded under both COSPAR and Satellite Catalog numbering systems, ensuring long‑term traceability.  

## Body  

### Overview of the Orbiting Vehicle Program  
- The Orbiting Vehicle (OV) series was a family of U.S. satellites designed for scientific experiments.  
- OV3‑2 is classified as an “Orbiting Vehicle” in both Wikidata and official aerospace records.  

### Launch Details  
- **Date:** 28 October 1966.  
- **Vehicle:** Scout B, a four‑stage solid‑propellant launch rocket.  
- The Scout B provided a reliable, low‑cost platform for placing small payloads into low‑Earth orbit.  

### Technical Identifiers  
- **COSPAR ID:** 1966‑097A, used internationally to identify the launch and object.  
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 02517, assigned by the United States Space Command for tracking.  

### Operational Role  
- Operated by the United States Air Force for scientific data collection.  
- Contributed to atmospheric and space environment research relevant to military and civilian applications.  

### Documentation and References  
- Information about OV3‑2 appears on English and Polish Wikipedia pages, reflecting its recognized historical status.  
- The satellite’s data are recorded in public space‑object registries, ensuring accessibility for researchers and historians.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report