# Solrad 2

> US satellite launched in 1960

**Wikidata**: [Q13399314](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q13399314)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SOLRAD_2)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/solrad-2

## Summary
Solrad 2 was a United States satellite launched on November 30, 1960. It belonged to the Solrad series, a class of American satellites, and was deployed using a Thor-Ablestar expendable launch system. The mission launched from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17.

## Key Facts
*   **Launch Date:** November 30, 1960
*   **Entity Type:** US Satellite; Instance of the Solrad series
*   **Launch Vehicle:** Thor-Ablestar (American expendable launch system)
*   **Launch Site:** Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17
*   **NSSDCA ID:** SRD-2
*   **Google Knowledge Graph ID:** /g/12dpwgg5b
*   **Wikipedia Presence:** Available in 5 languages (English, Spanish, Indonesian, Ukrainian, Chinese)

## FAQs
### Q: When was Solrad 2 launched?
A: Solrad 2 was launched on November 30, 1960.

### Q: What rocket was used to launch Solrad 2?
A: The satellite was launched aboard a Thor-Ablestar, an American expendable launch system.

### Q: Where did the launch of Solrad 2 take place?
A: The launch occurred at Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17.

## Why It Matters
Solrad 2 represents a specific historical data point in the early years of the American space program. As a member of the Solrad series, it contributes to the understanding of early satellite development and deployment strategies utilized by the United States in 1960.

The mission highlights the operational use of the Thor-Ablestar launch vehicle, a key technology for inserting payloads into orbit during that era. Furthermore, its launch from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17 ties it to one of the most historically significant launch sites in aerospace history. Documenting Solrad 2 ensures a complete record of the Solrad project lineage and the timeline of US space launches during the Cold War.

## Notable For
*   Being part of the **Solrad series**, a class of American satellites.
*   Launching on the **Thor-Ablestar**, a prominent American expendable launch system.
*   Utilizing **Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17** as its start point.
*   Being a **US satellite** launched in late 1960.

## Body
### Launch and Mission Profile
Solrad 2 was successfully launched on November 30, 1960. The launch event was classified as a rocket launch initiated from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17. The payload was delivered into orbit using the Thor-Ablestar launch vehicle, an American system designed for expendable space missions.

### Classification and Lineage
The satellite is classified as an instance of **Solrad**, a series of American satellites. It is identified in records as a US satellite launched in 1960.

### Identification and Records
The spacecraft is cataloged in academic and space databases.
*   **NSSDCA ID:** SRD-2
*   **Wikipedia Title:** SOLRAD 2
*   **Wikidata Description:** US satellite launched in 1960

The entry maintains a presence across five language versions of Wikipedia (English, Spanish, Indonesian, Ukrainian, and Chinese) and possesses a Google Knowledge Graph ID (/g/12dpwgg5b).

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report