# Vela 2B

> U.S. reconnaissance satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q9368346](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q9368346)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vela_2B)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/vela-2b

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for **Vela 2B**:

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## Summary  
Vela 2B is a U.S. reconnaissance satellite designed for covert data collection for intelligence or military purposes. Launched in 1964 aboard an Atlas-Agena D rocket, it was part of a series of satellites deployed during the Cold War era. It operated from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 13.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date:** July 17, 1964 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Launch Vehicle:** Atlas-Agena D ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Launch Site:** Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 13 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **COSPAR ID:** 1964-040B ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1551807))  
- **NSSDCA ID:** 1964-040B  
- **Classification:** Reconnaissance satellite ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1551807))  
- **SCN:** 00837 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was the purpose of Vela 2B?  
A: Vela 2B was a U.S. reconnaissance satellite designed to collect intelligence or military data covertly during the Cold War.  

### Q: When was Vela 2B launched?  
A: It was launched on July 17, 1964, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 13 aboard an Atlas-Agena D rocket.  

### Q: What type of rocket launched Vela 2B?  
A: It was launched using an Atlas-Agena D, an expendable launch system commonly used for U.S. military and intelligence satellites.  

## Why It Matters  
Vela 2B was part of a critical Cold War-era effort by the U.S. to monitor global military activities through satellite reconnaissance. Its deployment contributed to advancements in surveillance technology and intelligence-gathering capabilities, shaping national security strategies. While not as publicly prominent as later satellites, it played a foundational role in the development of space-based reconnaissance systems, which remain vital for modern defense operations.  

## Notable For  
- One of the early U.S. reconnaissance satellites launched during the Cold War.  
- Deployed aboard the Atlas-Agena D, a workhorse launch vehicle for military payloads.  
- Part of a classified program aimed at enhancing intelligence collection from space.  

## Body  
### Launch Details  
- **Date:** July 17, 1964  
- **Vehicle:** Atlas-Agena D  
- **Site:** Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 13  

### Mission Profile  
- **Primary Role:** Reconnaissance and intelligence data collection  
- **Orbit:** Likely low Earth orbit (exact parameters classified)  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Spacecraft Catalog Number (SCN):** 00837  
- **COSPAR/NSSDCA Designation:** 1964-040B  

### Historical Context  
- Launched during heightened Cold War tensions, emphasizing the U.S. focus on space-based surveillance.  
- Preceded more advanced reconnaissance satellites but laid groundwork for future systems.  

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

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report