PHOBOS 2 (19287)

COSPAR: 1988-059A | Alt Name: Fobos-2
DECAYED

Image
PHOBOS 2 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

July 12, 1988

Launch Pad

LC200/40

Launch Vehicle

Proton-K/D-2

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

19287

International Designator

1988-059A

Decay Date

Unknown

Basic Satellite Info

Name

PHOBOS 2

Alternative Name

Fobos-2

Type

Payload

Status

Unknown

Owner

IKI/BABTS

Country

USSR

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
PHOBOS 2 was a Mars orbiter and potential Phobos lander launched by the Soviet Union on July 12, 1988, from the Tyuratam Space Center (TYMSC) using a Proton-K/D-2 launch vehicle from LC200/40. The spacecraft, manufactured by NPO Lavochkin (NPOL), had dimensions of 4 meters in length and 3.5 meters in diameter with a span of 12 meters, featuring solar arrays and batteries for power supply. It had a dry mass and launch mass of 2420 kilograms each. PHOBOS 2 was designed to conduct scientific observations around Mars and deploy one or two landers on Phobos, operated by IKI/BABTS (Institute for Space Research / Babakin Space Center). The satellite's structure included an irregular body with two panoramic cameras, equipped with ADU motors.
Physical Characteristics

Length

4

Diameter

3.5

Span

12

Dry Mass

2420

Launch Mass

2420

Shape

Irr + 2 Pan

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

1F No. 102

Purpose

Mars orbiter, 1 or 2 Phobos lander

Mission

Mars orbiter, 1 or 2 Phobos lander

Manufacturer

NPOL

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Fobos

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

ADU

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

2 deployable solar arrays, batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

X Report 7 Apr 2025

X Report 7 Apr 2025

SpaceX prepares for another Starlink launch today, following a successful deployment over the weekend from Florida's Space Coast.

X Report 2 Mar 2025

X Report 2 Mar 2025

Starship receives FAA approval for its next test flight, while SpaceX prepares to launch more Starlink satellites amidst reaching 5 million subscribers.

Blue Origin Rebuilds New Glenn Launch Pad, Space Brief 19 Jun 2026

Blue Origin Rebuilds New Glenn Launch Pad, Space Brief 19 Jun 2026

Blue Origin launch pad rebuild begins at Cape Canaveral after the New Glenn explosion, targeting return to flight by end of 2026. SpaceX flies NROL-179.

LeoLabs and the Business of Watching Everything

LeoLabs and the Business of Watching Everything

A startup built on Cold War-era radar science now tracks 25,000 objects in orbit - and the Pentagon can't get enough of it. But can its radars really compete with the Space Surveillance Network?

Space Force Deploys Meadowlands Satellite-Jamming System | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force Deploys Meadowlands Satellite-Jamming System | KeepTrack Space Brief

U.S. Space Force transitions Meadowlands mobile satellite-jamming platform to operational status. System provides ground forces with electronic warfare capability against adversary satellite links.

The Day America Gained New Eyes on Mars

The Day America Gained New Eyes on Mars

Fifty-six years ago, a revolutionary spacecraft launched toward the Red Planet after being saved from disaster by two quick-thinking technicians who risked their lives to prevent a rocket collapse

X Report 1 May 2025

X Report 1 May 2025

SpaceX launches diabetes research mission to ISS; EU considers SES for Starlink support; Amazon's Kuiper enters satellite race.

Space Brief 10 Feb 2025

Space Brief 10 Feb 2025

Discover today's key space events: SpaceX's Starlink launch, rocket debris risks, and advancements in nuclear rocket technology.