NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Success

ESRO 2B

Launch Time
Fri May 17, 1968 02:06 UTC

Rocket

Scout B
US Air Force
Status: Retired
Liftoff Thrust: 622 kN
Payload to LEO: 143 kg
Payload to GTO: 0 kg
Stages: 4
Strap-ons: 0
Rocket Height: 21.0 m

Mission Details

ESRO 2B

ESRO 2 (European Space Research Organisation), Iris (International Radiation Investigation Satellite) was a 75 kg spin-stabilized spacecraft. The main objective of ESRO 2 was to conduct a study of solar astronomy and cosmic rays. The ESRO 2 experiments had their counterparts in the NASA-OSO series. The purpose of the spacecraft was to provide continuity to the solar radiation observations carried out by OSO D launched 18 October 1967. The particle experiments were designed to continue similar measurements carried out by the Ariel 1 (UK 1) satellite.

Payloads: 1
Total Mass: 89.0 kg
Polar Orbit

Location

SLC-5, Vandenberg SFB, California, USA

Stats

1968

44th orbital launch attempt

Scout

48th mission
3rd mission of 1968
36th successful mission
1st consecutive successful mission