# SECOR 2

> American military geodetic satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q9326065](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q9326065)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/secor-2

## Summary
SECOR 2 was an American military geodetic satellite launched on March 11, 1965, as part of the SECOR (Sequential Collation of Range) program. It was designed to support precise geodetic measurements and military applications, operating in low Earth orbit. The satellite had a mass of 17.6 kilograms and was manufactured by Cubic Corporation.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: March 11, 1965, at 13:39:59 UTC from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2 East.
- **Mass**: 17.6 kilograms.
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Thor-Ablestar (serial number 440/AB018).
- **Manufacturer**: Cubic Corporation.
- **Sponsor**: United States Army.
- **Operator**: United States Army Corps of Engineers.
- **Classification**: Military satellite and geodetic satellite.
- **COSPAR ID**: 1965-017B.
- **Aliases**: Sequential Collation of Range 2, EGRS 2.
- **Country of Origin**: United States.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of SECOR 2?
A: SECOR 2 was part of the SECOR program, which aimed to provide precise geodetic measurements and support military applications by tracking satellite positions and signals.

### Q: Who launched SECOR 2?
A: SECOR 2 was launched by the United States Army Corps of Engineers using a Thor-Ablestar rocket from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2 East.

### Q: What was the mass of SECOR 2?
A: SECOR 2 had a mass of 17.6 kilograms.

### Q: What type of orbit did SECOR 2 operate in?
A: SECOR 2 operated in a low Earth orbit.

### Q: What was the significance of the SECOR program?
A: The SECOR program was significant for its role in military geodesy, providing precise positioning data for navigation and strategic applications.

## Why It Matters
SECOR 2 played a crucial role in the SECOR program, which was developed to enhance military geodetic capabilities. The program aimed to improve the accuracy of satellite-based positioning and navigation systems, supporting both military and scientific research. By tracking the satellite's signals, SECOR enabled precise geodetic measurements, which were essential for military operations and strategic planning. The success of SECOR 2 demonstrated the feasibility of using satellites for geodetic applications, paving the way for more advanced satellite-based positioning systems in the future.

## Notable For
- **Military Geodesy**: SECOR 2 was notable for its contribution to military geodetic research, providing critical positioning data for defense applications.
- **Low Mass Design**: Despite its small size (17.6 kg), SECOR 2 was designed to perform precise geodetic measurements.
- **Thor-Ablestar Launch**: The satellite was launched using the Thor-Ablestar rocket, a reliable expendable launch system for military satellites.
- **Low Earth Orbit Operations**: SECOR 2 operated in low Earth orbit, making it suitable for geodetic tracking and signal transmission.
- **Cubic Corporation Manufacturing**: The satellite was manufactured by Cubic Corporation, which played a key role in its development and production.

## Body
### Overview
SECOR 2 was the second satellite in the SECOR program, launched to support military geodetic research. The program aimed to develop precise positioning systems using satellite technology, enhancing military navigation and strategic capabilities.

### Launch Details
SECOR 2 was launched on March 11, 1965, at 13:39:59 UTC from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2 East. The satellite was deployed into a low Earth orbit, where it operated to provide geodetic data.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 17.6 kilograms.
- **Manufacturer**: Cubic Corporation.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Thor-Ablestar (serial number 440/AB018).
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit.
- **COSPAR ID**: 1965-017B.

### Significance
SECOR 2 was significant for its role in military geodesy, contributing to the development of satellite-based positioning systems. The program's success demonstrated the potential of satellite technology for precise geodetic measurements, supporting both military and scientific applications.

### Legacy
The SECOR program laid the groundwork for more advanced satellite-based positioning systems, influencing future developments in military and civilian geodesy. SECOR 2's contributions to the field remain notable in the history of satellite technology.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/secor-1.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report