Space Brief 28 Nov 2024
Today's briefing covers China's announcement of the Beidou system upgrade, launch updates for Vega C, challenges to global GPS reliability, and delays in the VERITAS Venus mission.
Vanguard 2 (00011)
COSPAR: 1959-001A | Alt Name: Vanguard II
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 17, 1959
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC-18A
Launch Vehicle
Vanguard SLV-4
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
00011
International Designator
1959-001A
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 14:30:00 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
32.88°
Right Ascension
318.65°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
247.12°
Period
120.95 min
Mean Motion
11.91 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
Vanguard 2
Alternative Name
Vanguard II
Type
Payload
Status
Unknown
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
First weather satellite launched; provided data on Earth's cloud cover and atmospheric density.
Latest TLEs
1 00011U 59001A 26201.60417426 .00000641 00000+0 31535-3 0 9998
2 00011 32.8784 318.6539 1445887 247.1219 97.0561 11.90587969539453
Source: Celestrak
Summary
Vanguard 2 was a weather satellite launched on February 17, 1959, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The satellite measured cloud-cover distribution and provided information on atmospheric density over its 19-day operational period. It had two optical telescopes with photocells for measuring sunlight reflected from Earth's surface.
The Vanguard 2 was a small sphere, 10.75 kg (23.6 lbs) in mass and 0.508 meters (1.66 feet) in diameter. Its power source consisted of mercury batteries, and it was equipped with an optical scanner to collect cloud cover data and instruments for measuring atmospheric density. The satellite's spin axis orientation proved unsatisfactory, resulting in poor data quality.
The Vanguard 2 mission marked the first launch of a weather satellite into space, providing valuable insights into Earth's cloud cover and atmospheric conditions during its operational period.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.508
Diameter
0.508
Span
0.508
Dry Mass
10.75
Launch Mass
10.75
Shape
Spherical
Radar Cross Section
0.3823
Visual Magnitude
10.2
Color
Externally covered with an aluminum deposit coated with silicon oxide
Material Composition
Magnesium sphere internally gold-plated and externally covered with an aluminum deposit coated with silicon oxide.
Technical Details
Payload
Optical scanner for cloud cover data and instruments to measure atmospheric density.
Purpose
Science
Mission
Designed to measure cloud-cover distribution over the daylight portion of its orbit and to provide information on the density of the atmosphere.
Manufacturer
Naval Research Laboratory
Life Expectancy
The satellite's optical scanner experiment was designed to operate for 19 days; however, due to an unsatisfactory orientation of the spin axis, the data obtained was poor.
Bus
Vanguard
Configuration
Vanguard 2E
Motor
None
Equipment
Two optical telescopes with photocells for measuring sunlight reflected from Earth's surface and cloud cover.
Power System
Mercury batteries
ADCS
Spin-stabilized at approximately 50 rpm
Transmitter Frequency
108.00 MHz, 108.03 MHz
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
X Report 14 Nov 2025
SpaceX progresses on Starship testing while Rocket Lab delays its Neutron rocket debut, potentially impacting the competitive landscape in space launches.
X Report 19 Apr 2025
SpaceX faces regulatory review for Bahamian rocket landings, positions itself for a major government contract, and a new Star Wars Lego set adds to the fun!
X Report 3 Jun 2025
SpaceX gears up for an exciting week with multiple launches, including a crewed mission and the rescheduled Starlink delivery. Meanwhile, ULA faces criticism from the Space Force over delays in its Vulcan rocket program.
X Report 8 Jan 2025
SpaceX gears up for distinctive Starship tests and milestone Starlink deployments as the new year takes off.
X Report 28 Feb 2025
SpaceX postpones Starship Flight 8, successfully launches Starlink satellites and two lunar missions.
Satellites by Country
Explore a comprehensive breakdown of satellite counts by country, detailing the USA, Russia, China, and others.
Space Brief 24 Nov 2025
Today's highlights include a record number of launches from Florida's Space Coast, Germany's new military space strategy, SpaceX's Starlink deployment, and more.