# Pilot-2

> small cylindrical satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q12146186](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12146186)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/pilot-2

## Summary
Pilot-2 is a small cylindrical weather satellite launched on August 12, 1958. It is an artificial satellite designed to monitor weather and climate, deployed using the U.S. NOTS-EV-1 Pilot expendable launch system.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Pilot-2 is an instance of a weather satellite.
- **Launch Date:** The satellite was launched on August 12, 1958.
- **Launch Vehicle:** It was deployed via the NOTS-EV-1 Pilot, a U.S. expendable launch system.
- **Physical Description:** The entity is described as a small cylindrical satellite.
- **Significant Event:** A rocket launch served as its significant point in time on August 12, 1958.
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID:** /g/11dy68yry.
- **Wikipedia Presence:** The entity has Wikipedia pages in Russian and Ukrainian.

## FAQs
### Q: What type of satellite is Pilot-2?
A: Pilot-2 is classified as a weather satellite, which is an artificial satellite specifically designed to monitor weather and climate conditions.

### Q: When was Pilot-2 launched?
A: Pilot-2 was launched on August 12, 1958.

### Q: What rocket was used to launch Pilot-2?
A: The satellite was launched using the NOTS-EV-1 Pilot, a U.S. expendable launch system.

## Why It Matters
Pilot-2 represents a specific technical effort in the early era of space exploration, particularly within the domain of meteorological monitoring. As a weather satellite launched in 1958, it falls into the historical timeline of the first generation of artificial satellites designed to gather data on Earth's climate systems. Its existence highlights the early utilization of specialized launch systems like the NOTS-EV-1 Pilot to deliver payloads into orbit. The designation as a "small cylindrical satellite" provides insight into the form factors and engineering constraints of late-1950s aerospace technology. While specific operational outcomes are not detailed in the provided source, its classification underscores the strategic importance placed on developing orbital capabilities for weather observation during this period.

## Notable For
- Being an early example of a weather satellite launched in 1958.
- Its specific physical configuration as a small cylindrical satellite.
- Utilizing the NOTS-EV-1 Pilot as its launch vehicle.
- Being associated with the U.S. expendable launch system program.
- Monitoring weather and climate as its primary functional design.

## Body
### Design and Classification
Pilot-2 is defined within knowledge bases as a "small cylindrical satellite." It is strictly classified as an instance of a **weather satellite**. This classification indicates that its primary intended function was the monitoring of weather and climate from orbit.

### Mission and Launch
The satellite's significant operational milestone was a **rocket launch** event.
- **Date:** August 12, 1958
- **Launch System:** NOTS-EV-1 Pilot
- **System Type:** U.S. expendable launch system

The launch vehicle used, the NOTS-EV-1 Pilot, is a distinct class of rocket associated with this payload.

### Identifiers and Data
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID:** /g/11dy68yry
- **Sitelink Count:** 2 (referencing Russian and Ukrainian Wikipedia entries)

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report