SOLRAD 4B
Scout X-2
US Navy
Mission
SOLRAD 4B
- Type: Astrophysics
- Orbit: Low Earth Orbit
- Launch Cost: $8,910,000
SOLRAD (SOLar RADiation) 4B was a solar X-ray, ultraviolet, and electronic surveillance satellite. Developed by the United States Navy's United States Naval Research Laboratory, it was the fifth in both the SOLRAD and the GRAB (Galactic Radiation And Background) programs.
Location
Space Launch Complex 5
Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA
Find the best place to watch the launch from Vandenberg
Space Launch Complex 5 has witnessed the launch of 69 rockets, including 69 orbital launch attempts. While Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA, has been the site for 862 rocket launches.
Vandenberg Space Force Base is a United States Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County, California. Established in 1941, Vandenberg Space Force Base is a space launch base, launching spacecraft from the Western Range, and also performs missile testing. The United States Space Force's Space Launch Delta 30 serves as the host delta for the base, equivalent to an Air Force air base wing. In addition to its military space launch mission, Vandenberg Space Force Base also hosts space launches for civil and commercial space entities, such as NASA and SpaceX.
Rocket
Vought Scout X-2
The Scout family of rockets were were American launch vehicles designed to place small satellites into orbit around the Earth. The Scout multistage rocket was the first orbital launch vehicle to be entirely composed of solid fuel stages.
Agency
US Navy
The Navy was competed with the Army to put the first American satellite into orbit. Their first two Vanguard missions failed, with the second being a highly publicized failure, as it exploded on the launchpad. They went on to put 3 satellites into orbit but did not beat the Army to be the first. Their work in space continues today largely on military satellites.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the US Navy Scout X-2 SOLRAD 4B launch scheduled?
The US Navy Scout X-2 SOLRAD 4B launch was scheduled for:
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Where did the US Navy Scout X-2 SOLRAD 4B mission launch from?
The US Navy Scout X-2 rocket launched from Space Launch Complex 5 at Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA. Vandenberg Space Force Base is a United States Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County, California. Established in 1941, Vandenberg Space Force Base is a space launch base, launching spacecraft from the Western Range, and also performs missile testing. The United States Space Force's Space Launch Delta 30 serves as the host delta for the base, equivalent to an Air Force air base wing. In addition to its military space launch mission, Vandenberg Space Force Base also hosts space launches for civil and commercial space entities, such as NASA and SpaceX.
What rocket was used for the SOLRAD 4B mission?
The SOLRAD 4B mission launched aboard a US Navy Scout X-2 rocket. The Scout family of rockets were were American launch vehicles designed to place small satellites into orbit around the Earth. The Scout multistage rocket was the first orbital launch vehicle to be entirely composed of solid fuel stages. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
What weather conditions could have delayed the US Navy Scout X-2 SOLRAD 4B launch?
The US Navy Scout X-2 SOLRAD 4B launch could have been delayed by various weather conditions including lightning within 10 nautical miles, high winds (especially upper-level winds), thick cloud layers, precipitation, and poor visibility. Weather must be favorable at the launch site, downrange landing zones, and abort landing sites.
How can I get updates if the US Navy Scout X-2 SOLRAD 4B launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest US Navy Scout X-2 launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the SOLRAD 4B mission. You can also check our space launch schedule for historical launch information. Our mobile app provides push notifications for instant alerts about launch status changes. Official US Navy live streams provided the most immediate range updates during the launch window.