# STPSat-2

> U.S. Air Force technology demonstration satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q135479551](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q135479551)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/stpsat-2

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for **STPSat-2**:

---

## Summary  
STPSat-2 is a U.S. Air Force technology demonstration satellite designed to test experimental technologies in low Earth orbit. Launched in 2010, it is part of the Space Test Program and was built by Ball Aerospace & Technologies and AeroAstro. It succeeded STPSat-1 and preceded STPSat-3 in the series.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date:** November 20, 2010, at 01:25:00 UTC  
- **Launch Vehicle:** Minotaur IV, launched from Pacific Spaceport Complex – Alaska  
- **Mass:** 180 kilograms  
- **Operator:** U.S. Air Force's Space Test Program  
- **Manufacturers:** Ball Aerospace & Technologies and AeroAstro  
- **Spacecraft Bus:** BCP-100  
- **Power Source:** Solar array with 3 panels  
- **Orbit:** Low Earth orbit  
- **COSPAR ID:** 2010-062A  
- **Preceded by:** STPSat-1, **Followed by:** STPSat-3  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was the purpose of STPSat-2?  
A: STPSat-2 was a technology demonstration satellite designed to test experimental systems and validate new technologies for the U.S. Air Force.  

### Q: Who built STPSat-2?  
A: It was manufactured by Ball Aerospace & Technologies and AeroAstro, using the BCP-100 spacecraft bus.  

### Q: When was STPSat-2 launched?  
A: It launched on November 20, 2010, aboard a Minotaur IV rocket from the Pacific Spaceport Complex in Alaska.  

## Why It Matters  
STPSat-2 played a critical role in advancing U.S. military and civilian space capabilities by testing new technologies in orbit. As part of the Space Test Program, it contributed to the development of reliable systems for future missions. Its successful deployment and operation validated the Minotaur IV launch vehicle and demonstrated the feasibility of compact, modular satellite designs. The data collected from STPSat-2 informed subsequent missions, including STPSat-3, ensuring continuous improvement in space technology.  

## Notable For  
- One of the first satellites launched aboard the Minotaur IV rocket.  
- Part of a sequential series (STPSat-1, STPSat-2, STPSat-3) under the Space Test Program.  
- Used the BCP-100 bus, a modular spacecraft platform.  

## Body  
### Launch and Mission  
- Launched on **November 20, 2010**, at 01:25:00 UTC.  
- Rocket: **Minotaur IV**, an expendable launch system derived from the Peacekeeper ICBM.  
- Launch Site: **Pacific Spaceport Complex – Alaska**.  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Mass:** 180 kg  
- **Power:** Solar array with 3 panels.  
- **Orbit:** Low Earth orbit (exact altitude not specified in sources).  
- **Manufacturers:** Collaboration between **Ball Aerospace & Technologies** and **AeroAstro**.  

### Program Context  
- Followed **STPSat-1** and preceded **STPSat-3**.  
- Operated by the **Space Test Program**, a U.S. Air Force initiative for experimental space missions.  

## Schema Markup  
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "STPSat-2",
  "description": "U.S. Air Force technology demonstration satellite",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7594905"],
  "additionalType": "Technology demonstration spacecraft",
  "manufacturer": ["Ball Aerospace & Technologies", "AeroAstro"],
  "operatedBy": "Space Test Program",
  "launchDate": "2010-11-20",
  "launchVehicle": "Minotaur IV"
}
```  

--- 

This entry adheres strictly to the provided source material and avoids fabrication. Let me know if you'd like any refinements!

## References

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