# Transit 5B-2
**Wikidata**: [Q9361187](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q9361187)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/transit-5b-2

## Summary
Transit 5B-2 is an American geodetic satellite launched on December 5, 1963. It was deployed into orbit using a Thor-Ablestar expendable launch system from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2. Identified by the COSPAR ID 1963-049B, it functions as an artificial satellite used in the research and application of geodesy.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Transit 5B-2 is a geodetic satellite, a type of artificial satellite used for the research and application of geodesy.
- **Launch Date:** The satellite was launched on December 5, 1963.
- **Launch Vehicle:** It was launched aboard a Thor-Ablestar, an American expendable launch system.
- **Launch Site:** The launch originated from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2.
- **COSPAR ID:** Its international designator is 1963-049B.
- **Satellite Catalog Number:** It is registered under the number 00704.
- **Significant Event:** The launch event is classified as a "rocket launch" taking place at Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2 on the specified launch date.
- **Wolfram Language Code:** The entity is encoded as `Entity["Satellite", "00704"]` in the Wolfram Language.

## FAQs
### Q: What type of satellite is Transit 5B-2?
A: Transit 5B-2 is a geodetic satellite. This classification means it is an artificial satellite utilized specifically for the research and application of geodesy, which involves measuring and understanding the Earth's geometric shape, orientation in space, and gravitational field.

### Q: When and how was Transit 5B-2 launched?
A: The satellite was launched on December 5, 1963. It was delivered to orbit using a Thor-Ablestar rocket, which is an American expendable launch system, taking off from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2.

### Q: What are the specific identifiers for Transit 5B-2?
A: Transit 5B-2 carries the COSPAR ID (international designator) of 1963-049B and the Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) 00704.

## Why It Matters
Transit 5B-2 serves as a historical example of early space-based geodetic research. As a geodetic satellite, its primary role was to aid in the research and application of geodesy— the science of accurately measuring and understanding the Earth's geometric shape, orientation in space, and gravitational field. Satellites like Transit 5B-2 were crucial in the pre-GPS era for refining global maps, tracking continental drift, and determining precise locations on the planet's surface, which had significant implications for both scientific research and military navigation.

The satellite is also representative of the aerospace capabilities of the early 1960s. It was launched atop a Thor-Ablestar, an American expendable launch system known for its reliability during that era. The launch took place at Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2, a key site for polar and military launches. By successfully reaching orbit, Transit 5B-2 contributed to the body of data collected by the Transit series and similar programs, helping to lay the groundwork for modern satellite navigation and global positioning systems used today. Its specific identifiers, such as COSPAR ID 1963-049B, allow researchers and historians to track and verify the object's orbital history and contributions to space catalogs.

## Notable For
- **Geodetic Function:** Being explicitly classified as a geodetic satellite used for Earth measurement and research.
- **Launch System:** Being deployed via the Thor-Ablestar, a noted American expendable launch system.
- **Historical Launch Date:** Having a confirmed operational history dating back to a launch in late 1963.
- **Specific Location:** Association with Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2, a prominent launch site.

## Body
### Mission and Classification
Transit 5B-2 is defined in knowledge bases as a geodetic satellite. This classification indicates that the artificial satellite was designed and used for the research and application of geodesy. The satellite is an instance of this specific class of space object, distinguishing it from communication or weather satellites.

### Launch Details
The satellite's significant event was a rocket launch that occurred on **December 5, 1963**.
- **Launch Vehicle:** The launch was facilitated by a Thor-Ablestar, described as an American expendable launch system.
- **Launch Site:** The start point for the mission was the Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2.

### Technical Identifiers
Various academic and structured sources provide specific identifiers for Transit 5B-2:
- **COSPAR ID:** 1963-049B. This international designator indicates the launch occurred in 1963 and was the second object (B) identified from the 049th launch of that year.
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 00704.
- **Wolfram Language Entity:** It is represented as `Entity["Satellite", "00704"]`.

### Related Entities
The satellite is closely associated with the Thor-Ablestar launch system and the broader concept of geodetic satellites. Wikidata and academic sources (specifically referencing identifier Q6272367 and Q1551807) verify these relationships and classifications.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report