Orba (X 2)

Orba

Orba or X-2 was a uninstrumented, plain, spherical, gold plated satellite to measure the density of the upper atmosphere by observing orbital decay of the satellite.

Orba was lost in a launch failure of the first Black Arrow orbital launch attempt.

Nation: UK
Type / Application: Technology
Operator: Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE)
Contractors: Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE)
Equipment:
Configuration: Sphere
Propulsion: None
Power: None
Lifetime:
Mass: 13.6 kg
Orbit: 350 km × 1000 km, 82° (planned)
Satellite COSPAR Date LS Launch Vehicle Remarks
Orba (X 2) 1970-F07 02.09.1970 Wo LA-5B F Black Arrow with R-2 Instrument Package

Launch Sites:

  • Wo =   Woomera Instrumented Range, Woomera, South Australia, Australia   Australia
Further X missions:

Cite this page: