# Telstar 2

> defunct Communications Satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q14771372](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q14771372)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telstar_2)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/telstar-2

## Summary
Telstar 2 was a defunct communications satellite launched by the United States on May 7, 1963. It was part of the early development of global satellite telecommunications and was launched using a Delta B rocket from Cape Canaveral. The satellite enabled experimental transatlantic television and telephone transmissions.

## Key Facts
- Launched on May 7, 1963
- COSPAR ID: 1963-013A
- Launch site: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17
- Launch vehicle: Delta B
- Instance of: Communications satellite
- Status: Defunct
- Satellite Catalog Number (SCN): 00573
- Image: [Telstar 2.jpg](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Telstar_2.jpg)
- Wikipedia languages: English, Polish, Portuguese, Commons

## FAQs
### Q: What was Telstar 2 used for?
A: Telstar 2 was used for experimental transatlantic telecommunications, including television and telephone signals. It played a key role in the early development of satellite-based global communication systems.

### Q: When was Telstar 2 launched?
A: Telstar 2 was launched on May 7, 1963.

### Q: Where was Telstar 2 launched from?
A: Telstar 2 was launched from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17 in Florida, USA.

## Why It Matters
Telstar 2 was one of the pioneering satellites in the field of global telecommunications. As a follow-up to Telstar 1, it helped establish the feasibility of using satellites for reliable international communication links. Its successful operation contributed to the foundation of modern satellite communications infrastructure, influencing both commercial and technological developments in broadcasting and data transmission across continents.

## Notable For
- Being among the earliest active communications satellites in history
- Enabling live transatlantic television and telephone broadcasts
- Demonstrating the viability of satellite relay technology for global communications
- Launching aboard the Delta B, an early American expendable launch system
- Part of the broader Telstar program that revolutionized media and telecommunications

## Body
### Overview
Telstar 2 was a second-generation active communications satellite developed under the Telstar program. It served as a technological successor to Telstar 1 and further validated the concept of commercial satellite communications.

### Mission Details
The satellite was launched into orbit to support experimental telecommunications services between North America and Europe. It carried equipment capable of relaying multiple telephone circuits and television signals simultaneously.

### Technical Specifications
- **Launch Date:** May 7, 1963  
- **Launch Vehicle:** Delta B  
- **Launch Site:** Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17  
- **Status:** Defunct  

### Historical Context
Telstar 2 was part of a series of satellites aimed at proving the practicality of satellite-based communication networks. These missions laid critical groundwork for future geostationary and low Earth orbit communication constellations.

### Legacy
Although now non-operational, Telstar 2 remains historically significant as a milestone in space-based telecommunications. Its contributions helped shape policies, technologies, and business models within the emerging satellite industry.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report