Ranger 2

Ranger 2 was like their predecessors Ranger 1, a spacecraft NASA for testing scientific equipment. The launch took place on 18 November 1961, on an Atlas - Agena B rocket from the launch pad LC -12 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

On board the probe had also conducted experiments to observe the cosmic rays and the geomagnetic field. It had a weight of 304 kg. The structure was almost identical to Ranger 1 Both were built in the so-called block -I design.

After the successful launch and reaching the parking orbit into a 130 to 150 km high in Earth orbit re- ignition should bring the probe on a highly elliptical orbit. Due to a malfunction, the re- ignition of the upper stage failed. This allowed Ranger 2 do not reach the desired height and burned up on 20 November 1961 in the Earth's atmosphere. Despite the failed ignition NASA assessed the mission as a partial success, as had been proved that it is technically possible to run experiments or measurements from the ground and to get results.

Source

  • Werner Büdeler Moons by human hands, page 196-198
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