Space Brief 23 Oct 2025
Today's updates cover Vantor's satellites overcoming tracking challenges, a startup's ambitious missile defense test, and more pivotal space events.
Launch Date
November 3, 1957
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC1
Launch Vehicle
NORAD ID
00003
International Designator
N/A
Decay Date
4/14/1958
Name
Sputnik 2
Alternative Name
Prosteyshiy Sputnik 2 (PS-2)
Type
Status
Owner
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
Reentered Earth's atmosphere on 1958-04-14
Length
4
Diameter
2
Span
2
Dry Mass
508.3
Launch Mass
508.3
Shape
Cone
Radar Cross Section
0.08
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
Dog (Laika), spectrophotometers, Geiger counter, TV camera
Purpose
Biological and scientific research
Mission
Biological spaceflight and solar radiation studies
Manufacturer
OKB-1 of NII-88
Life Expectancy
162 days
Bus
PS
Configuration
Cone-shaped capsule
Motor
N/A
Equipment
Radio transmitters, telemetry system, programming unit, regeneration and temperature control system, scientific instruments, animal cabin
Power System
Batteries
ADCS
N/A
Transmitter Frequency
20.005 & 40.002 MHz (Tral-D TM system)
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