SOLRAD 2

SOLRAD 2

SOLRAD reserve satellite (similar to SOLRAD 2)
Names	GRAB (2) SOLar RADiation 2 SR 2 GREB (2)
Mission type	Solar X-rays
Operator	Naval Research Laboratory (USNRL)
COSPAR ID	1960-F16 (SRD-2)
Mission duration	Failed to orbit
Spacecraft properties
Spacecraft type	SOLRAD
Manufacturer	Naval Research Laboratory (USNRL)
Launch mass	18 kg (40 lb)
Dimensions	51 cm (20 in) of diameter
Power	6 watts
Start of mission
Launch date	30 November 1960, 19:50 GMT
Rocket	Thor-Ablestar
Launch site	Cape Canaveral, LC-17B
Contractor	Douglas Aircraft Company
End of mission
Destroyed	Failed to orbit
Orbital parameters
Reference system	Geocentric orbit (planned)
Regime	Low Earth orbit
Perigee altitude	930 km (580 mi)
Apogee altitude	930 km (580 mi)
Inclination	66.70°
Period	100.0 minutes
SOLRAD ← SOLRAD 1 SOLRAD 3 →   GRAB ← GRAB-1 GRAB 2 →

SOLRAD (SOLar RADiation) 2 was the public designation for a combination surveillance and solar X-rays and ultraviolet scientific satellite, the second in the SOLRAD program developed by the United States Navy's Naval Research Laboratory. The SOLRAD scientific package aboard the satellite provided cover for the GRAB (Galactic Radiation and Background) electronic surveillance package, the mission of which was to map the Soviet Union's air defense radar network.

SOLRAD 2 was launched along with Transit 3A atop a Thor-Ablestar rocket on 30 November 1960, but both satellites failed to reach orbit when the booster flew off course and was destroyed, raining debris over Cuba, which prompted official protests from the Cuban government. As a result, future SOLRAD flights were programmed to avoid a Cuban flyover during launch.