Earth orbit
HEAO 2
First X-ray imaging observatory.
Completed or retired · Historical mission record
View in 3D map ↗Overview
The mission
First X-ray imaging observatory. This reconstructed record groups 1 GCAT payload or flight element under launch 1978-103; fields not present in GCAT are intentionally left unset.
Launch profile
The launch
- Launch
- 13 November 1978, 05:24 UTC
- Launch location
- Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Eastern Test Range
- Launch vehicle
- Atlas SLV-3D Centaur
- Orbit
- Lower low Earth orbit (equatorial)
Trajectory
Mission timeline
Interactive playback
Play trajectory in 3D ↗Follow the mission through its available trajectory data in the full 3D solar-system map.
Mission outcomeOpen outcome source ↗
Mission ended — Completed or retired
Operations concluded · 26 April 1981
Historical mission record
GCAT records the primary mission element as completed or no longer operational.
Hardware
Spacecraft
HEAO 2
First X-ray imaging observatory.
- GCAT ID
- S11101
- Manufacturer
- TRW Inc.
- Launch mass
- 3,130 kg
- Dimensions
- 5.8 m long · 2.4 m diameter · 6 m span
Visual archive
Gallery
One image from HEAO 2.
Verification
Community discussion
Comments 0
No comments yet. The airlock is open.
Sign in or create an account to comment and vote.