 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 (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.