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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
HELIOS 2B (36124)
COSPAR: 2009-073A | Alt Name: Helios IIB
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 18, 2009
Launch Site
FRGUI
Launch Pad
ELA3
Launch Vehicle
Ariane 5GS
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
36124
International Designator
2009-073A
Decay Date
12/14/2023
Basic Satellite Info
Name
HELIOS 2B
Alternative Name
Helios IIB
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
CNES/DGA
Country
France
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The HELIOS 2B satellite, also known as Helios IIB, is a reconnaissance satellite configured for electro-optical missions and was launched on December 18, 2009. It has dimensions of approximately 6 meters in length, 3.7 meters in diameter, and spans 10 meters. With a dry mass of 4000 kg and a launch mass of 4200 kg, it was manufactured by ASTT for the CNES/DGA (Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales/Direction Générale de l'Armement). Launched from ELA3 at the Guiana Space Centre using an Ariane 5GS vehicle, HELIOS 2B is equipped with a deployable solar array and batteries to power its operations. The satellite's shape is described as "Box + Pan."
Physical Characteristics
Length
6
Diameter
3.7
Span
10
Dry Mass
4000
Launch Mass
4200
Shape
Box + Pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Helios 2B
Purpose
Reconnaissance, electro-optical
Mission
Reconnaissance, electro-optical
Manufacturer
ASTT
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
SPOT
Configuration
SPOT Mk.3
Motor
?
Equipment
?
Power System
Deployable solar array, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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