Ranger 2

Launch data: Designation 00206 / 1961 A-Theta1 / 61032A Launch date 18 Nov. 1961 - 8:12 UT Launch site CC, LC12 Launch vehicle Atlas-LV3 Agena-B (#117D/AA2) Mission  Lunar observer Payload code  NASA P-33 (RA-2) Earth orbit Perigee x Apogee 150 x 242 km Inclination  33.3 deg Period  days

Technicians work on a Ranger Block 1 spacecraft (used for Rangers 1 and 2). - Credit: NASA.

Specifications: Prime contractor  JPL Operator  NASA Mass at launch 306 kg Dry Mass   kg Dimension  dia -  long Basic shape    Solar array   Stabilization   DC power

Decay: Descent date: 20 Nov 1961 Lifetime:

Mission details:

• A repeat flight of Ranger-1 with an intended orbit of 805,000 x 61,000 km after being put into an initial parking orbit of 242 x 150 km, but an inoperative roll gyro prevented Agena restart for the 90 sec escape burn; resulting in Ranger 2 being stranded in low earth orbit.
• The orbit decayed and the spacecraft reentered Earth's atmosphere on 20 November 1961.