# OV3-6

> The Air Force satellite OV3-6 was designed to measure neutral density ion composition, and electron density, as functions of latitude and time, over an altitude range of 200 to 400 km.

**Wikidata**: [Q111854315](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111854315)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OV3-6)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ov3-6

## Summary
OV3-6 is an Air Force satellite launched in 1967 to conduct atmospheric research in the near-Earth environment. It was specifically designed to measure neutral density ion composition and electron density at altitudes ranging from 200 to 400 km.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date:** December 5, 1967
- **Primary Mission:** Measurement of neutral density ion composition and electron density
- **Operational Altitude:** 200 to 400 km
- **Launch Vehicle:** Scout B rocket
- **Alternative Names:** ATCOS 2 and SCN 03057
- **Classification:** Spacecraft
- **COSPAR ID:** 1967-120A
- **NSSDCA ID:** 1967-120A
- **Data Variables:** Measurements recorded as functions of latitude and time

## FAQs
### Q: What was the primary purpose of the OV3-6 satellite?
A: The satellite was designed to measure neutral density ion composition and electron density. These observations were conducted to understand atmospheric variations as functions of latitude and time.

### Q: When was OV3-6 launched and what rocket was used?
A: OV3-6 was launched on December 5, 1967. It was carried into space by a Scout B launch vehicle.

### Q: What are the different names used to identify OV3-6?
A: In addition to its primary designation, the satellite is known by the alias ATCOS 2. It is also identified in satellite catalogs by the number 03057.

## Why It Matters
The OV3-6 satellite represents a specialized effort by the Air Force to characterize the Earth's upper atmosphere during the late 1960s. Its mission focused on a specific altitude range of 200 to 400 km, a region of the ionosphere that is critical for understanding the space environment. By measuring neutral density ion composition and electron density as functions of both latitude and time, the spacecraft provided data on how atmospheric conditions fluctuate across different geographic regions and temporal periods.

This data is significant for the scientific community's understanding of atmospheric dynamics. The mission's focus on mapping these variables allowed for a more detailed view of the ionosphere than a simple static measurement would provide. As part of the broader category of spacecraft launched via the Scout B rocket, OV3-6 (also known as ATCOS 2) contributed to a systematic approach to space science, where dedicated vehicles were used to build a comprehensive knowledge base of the near-Earth orbital environment. Its findings supported the broader goals of characterizing the space environment for future aerospace operations.

## Notable For
- **Atmospheric Mapping:** Designed to measure ion and electron density specifically as functions of latitude and time.
- **Targeted Altitude:** Focused exclusively on the atmospheric layer between 200 and 400 km.
- **Dual Nomenclature:** Frequently referenced in scientific and tracking databases as both OV3-6 and ATCOS 2.
- **Scout B Mission:** Utilized the Scout B rocket model for its deployment into space.

## Body
### Mission Objectives
The OV3-6 satellite was an Air Force mission dedicated to the study of the Earth's upper atmosphere. The primary scientific objective was to measure:
*   Neutral density ion composition
*   Electron density

These measurements were not static; the spacecraft was designed to record these values as they changed in relation to latitude and time. This allowed for a four-dimensional understanding of the atmospheric environment within its orbital path.

### Orbital Parameters and Launch
OV3-6 was launched on December 5, 1967. The mission utilized a Scout B launch vehicle to reach its intended altitude. The spacecraft operated within a specific altitude range of 200 to 400 km, placing it in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) where it could directly sample the ionosphere.

### Identification and Tracking
The satellite is documented under several different identification systems used by various space agencies and catalogs:
*   **COSPAR ID:** 1967-120A
*   **NSSDCA ID:** 1967-120A
*   **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 03057
*   **Aliases:** ATCOS 2

The spacecraft is classified under the general category of "spacecraft" and is associated with the Scout B rocket model class. Despite its multiple names, all identifiers refer to the same Air Force atmospheric research platform.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report