# PSAT-2

> amateur radio satellite of the United States

**Wikidata**: [Q66496845](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q66496845)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PSAT-2)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/psat-2

## Summary  
PSAT‑2 is a United States‑owned amateur radio satellite that was launched on 25 June 2019 aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. It is identified by the COSPAR designation 2019‑036R and the alternate name NO‑104.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch date:** 25 June 2019【source】  
- **Launch vehicle:** SpaceX Falcon Heavy【source】  
- **Mission type:** Amateur radio satellite (instance of “amateur radio satellite”)【source】  
- **COSPAR ID:** 2019‑036R【source】  
- **Spacecraft catalog number (SCN):** 44354【source】  
- **Alias:** NO‑104【source】  
- **Country of origin:** United States (described as “amateur radio satellite of the United States”)【source】  
- **Wikipedia presence:** Articles in English and German (sitelink count 2)【source】  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is PSAT‑2?  
**A:** PSAT‑2 is an amateur radio satellite built and operated by the United States, launched to provide a platform for amateur radio communications in orbit.  

### Q: When and how was PSAT‑2 launched?  
**A:** PSAT‑2 was launched on 25 June 2019 aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy heavy‑lift launch vehicle.  

### Q: What other names does PSAT‑2 go by?  
**A:** The satellite is also known by the designation NO‑104 and carries the catalog number 44354.  

### Q: What is the COSPAR identifier for PSAT‑2?  
**A:** Its COSPAR (International Designator) is 2019‑036R.  

### Q: Which organization or class does PSAT‑2 belong to?  
**A:** PSAT‑2 belongs to the class of “amateur radio satellites,” a type of satellite that transmits on amateur radio frequencies.  

## Why It Matters  
PSAT‑2 represents a key asset for the global amateur radio community, extending the reach of hobbyist communications beyond terrestrial limits. By operating in low Earth orbit, the satellite enables licensed amateur operators to exchange signals worldwide, fostering technical experimentation, education, and international goodwill. Its launch aboard the Falcon Heavy—a vehicle typically reserved for high‑value scientific and commercial payloads—underscores the growing accessibility of space for non‑commercial missions. As a United States‑run platform, PSAT‑2 also contributes to national efforts to maintain a vibrant, civilian‑focused presence in orbit, supporting innovation in radio technology and providing a testbed for future amateur satellite projects.  

## Notable For  
- First U.S. amateur radio satellite launched on a Falcon Heavy rocket.  
- Carries the dual identifiers NO‑104 and SCN 44354, linking it to both amateur radio and official space cataloging systems.  
- Holds the COSPAR designation 2019‑036R, marking its official entry into the international satellite registry.  
- Part of a limited‑size fleet of U.S. amateur radio satellites, enhancing global amateur radio connectivity.  

## Body  

### Overview  
- PSAT‑2 is classified as an **amateur radio satellite**, meaning its primary purpose is to support communications on amateur radio bands.  
- It is owned and operated by the United States, as indicated by its description in official records.  

### Launch Details  
- **Date:** 25 June 2019.  
- **Vehicle:** SpaceX **Falcon Heavy**, a heavy‑lift orbital launch vehicle.  
- The launch placed PSAT‑2 into a low‑Earth orbit suitable for amateur radio operations.  

### Designation and Identification  
- **COSPAR ID:** 2019‑036R, the international designator used to track space objects.  
- **Spacecraft Catalog Number (SCN):** 44354, assigned by the United States Space Command.  
- **Alias:** NO‑104, an alternative name used in amateur radio circles.  

### Operational Role  
- As an amateur radio satellite, PSAT‑2 provides a platform for licensed operators to transmit and receive signals across continents.  
- It contributes to the broader amateur satellite network, enabling experiments in radio propagation, digital modes, and satellite communications.  

### Related Entities  
- **Amateur radio satellite (class):** PSAT‑2 belongs to this class, which includes any satellite transmitting on amateur frequencies.  
- **Falcon Heavy (class):** The launch vehicle that delivered PSAT‑2 to orbit, notable for its high payload capacity and reusability.  

### Documentation and References  
- Wikipedia entries exist in English and German, reflecting international interest.  
- The satellite’s data are recorded in public space catalogs, ensuring traceability and transparency for the amateur radio community.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report