Also called:
IDCSP/A Spacecraft
Date of launch (location):
Aug. 19, 1970 (ETR)
Launch vehicle:
Delta DSV-3M
Weight (kg):
243
Shape:
Cylindrical with antenna mounted on
one end.
Dimensions (m):
1.37 diameter
0.81 height (1.6 overall)
Power source:
Solar cells plus NiCd
batteries
NASA's role:
Launch vehicle (reimbursable)
Cooperating organizations:
NASA and the United Kingdom
Responsible NASA center:
Goddard Space Flight Center
Project manager:
Robert Goss
Prime contractor:
Philco Ford
Objectives:
To provide military communications
support as part of the Initial Defense Communications
Satellite Program/Augmented (U.K.); serve as the Indian
Ocean link in the system.
Results:
Unsuccessful; malfunctioning onboard
apogee motor prevented deployment to synchronous
orbit.
Reference: NASA, "Skynet 2 Mission Operations Report," S-890-70-02, Aug. 3, 1970.