Ariel 2

Also called UK-2 (S-52)

Designation:	00771 / 64015A
Launch date:	27 Mar 1964 - 17:25 UT
Launch site:	WI, LA3 MkI
Launch vehicle:	Scout X-3 (#S127R)
Mission:	Scientific: ionosphere and high atmosphere study
Earth orbit:
Perigee/Apogee:	285 / 1362 km
Inclination:	51,64°
Period	101,29 min
Decay:	18 Nov 1967
Lifetime:	1330,95 days

This second Ariel was similar to UK-1.
There were three experiments: galactic radio noise detector (Cambridge U), distribution of ozone in the atmosphere (Met Office), micrometeoroid detector (Manchester U) using a foil sensor 0.0005 inch thick, which had not been punctured in the first six months.
The radio noise sensor used two 65 ft long antennae, and two loop antennae. The long aerials slowed the spin from 5 rpm to 0.1 rpm within 8 month, by which they were twisted and unusable.
Data continued until November 1964.

Specifications:

Prime contractor	Westinghouse, USA
Platform
Mass at launch	kg
Dry Mass	68,04 kg
Dimension	0,89 long, 0,58 dia
Basic shape	Domed cylinder + 4 paddles + 2 booms
Solar array
Stabilization
DC power

Ref.: #1, #7, #15, #102(SL19) - update: 2.06.05