NSSDCA/COSPAR ID: 1968-002A
The GEOS 2 (Geodetic Earth Orbiting Satellite) was a gravity-gradient-stabilized, solar-cell-powered spacecraft that carried electronic and geodetic instrumentation. The geodetic instrumentation systems included (1) four optical beacons, (2) two C-band radar transponders, (3) a passive radar reflector, (4) a sequential collation of range radio range transponder, (5) a Goddard range and range rate transponder, (6) laser reflectors, and (7) Doppler beacons. Non-geodetic systems included a laser detector and a Minitrack interferometer beacon. The objectives of the spacecraft were to optimize optical station visibility periods and to provide complementary data for inclination-dependent terms established by the Explorer 29 (GEOS 1) gravimetric studies. The spacecraft was placed into a retrograde orbit to accomplish these objectives. Operational problems occurred in the main power system, optical beacon flash system, and the spacecraft clock, and adjustments in scheduling resulted in nominal operations.
Launch Date: 1968-01-11
Launch Vehicle: Delta
Launch Site: Vandenberg AFB, United States
Mass: 469 kg
Questions and comments about this spacecraft can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office
Name | Role | Original Affiliation | |
---|---|---|---|
Mr. Charles J. Finley | Program Manager | NASA Headquarters | |
Mr. Hubert R. Stanley | Project Scientist | NASA Wallops Flight Facility | hstanley@pop800.gsfc.nasa.gov |