# Ranger 2

> unmanned US spaceprobe

**Wikidata**: [Q733049](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q733049)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ranger_2)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ranger-2

## Summary
Ranger 2 was an unmanned U.S. space probe launched in 1961 as part of the Ranger program to explore outer space. It was operated by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and marked an early attempt in robotic spacecraft missions beyond Earth's orbit.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: November 18, 1961, from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 12.
- **Operator**: Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).
- **Launch Vehicle**: Atlas-Agena B rocket.
- **Mission Type**: Unmanned space probe, part of the Ranger program.
- **Orbit Decay**: Re-entered Earth's atmosphere on November 20, 1961.
- **Preceded by**: Ranger 1.
- **Followed by**: Ranger 3.
- **COSPAR ID**: 1961-032A.
- **NSSDCA ID**: 1961-032A.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Ranger 2?
A: Ranger 2 was an unmanned space probe designed to explore outer space as part of the U.S. Ranger program, though it did not achieve its intended lunar mission.

### Q: When was Ranger 2 launched?
A: Ranger 2 was launched on November 18, 1961, from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 12.

### Q: What happened to Ranger 2?
A: The spacecraft re-entered Earth's atmosphere on November 20, 1961, shortly after launch, failing to reach its intended trajectory.

### Q: Who operated Ranger 2?
A: The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) operated Ranger 2.

### Q: What rocket launched Ranger 2?
A: Ranger 2 was launched using an Atlas-Agena B rocket.

## Why It Matters
Ranger 2 represents an early milestone in the U.S. space exploration program, particularly in the development of robotic spacecraft. As part of the Ranger program, it contributed to the technological foundation for later successful lunar missions. Although it did not achieve its primary objectives, its launch and brief operation provided valuable data for subsequent missions. The Ranger series played a crucial role in advancing space probe technology, paving the way for more sophisticated missions like the Apollo program. Understanding Ranger 2's failures and limitations helped engineers refine spacecraft design and mission planning, ultimately improving the success rate of future space exploration endeavors.

## Notable For
- **Early Space Probe**: One of the first unmanned spacecraft in the U.S. Ranger program.
- **Short Mission Duration**: Re-entered Earth's atmosphere just two days after launch.
- **Technological Precursor**: Contributed to the development of later successful lunar missions.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Used the Atlas-Agena B rocket, an early expendable launch system.
- **Operational Insights**: Provided data that helped improve subsequent space missions.

## Body
### Overview
Ranger 2 was an unmanned space probe launched by the United States as part of the Ranger program. Its primary goal was to explore outer space, though it did not achieve a lunar mission.

### Launch and Mission Details
- **Launch Date**: November 18, 1961.
- **Launch Site**: Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 12.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Atlas-Agena B rocket.
- **Operator**: Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).

### Mission Outcome
- **Orbit Decay**: Ranger 2 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on November 20, 1961, shortly after launch.
- **Failure**: The spacecraft did not achieve its intended trajectory or mission objectives.

### Technical Specifications
- **COSPAR ID**: 1961-032A.
- **NSSDCA ID**: 1961-032A.
- **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number)**: 00206.

### Context within the Ranger Program
- **Preceded by**: Ranger 1.
- **Followed by**: Ranger 3.
- **Program Goal**: The Ranger program aimed to obtain close-up images of the lunar surface and gather data for future missions.

## Schema Markup
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  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Ranger 2",
  "description": "An unmanned U.S. space probe launched in 1961 as part of the Ranger program.",
  "sameAs": [
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    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ranger_2"
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  "additionalType": "SpaceProbe"
}

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013