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The second Geodetic Earth Orbiting Satellite (GEOS 2), also known as Explorer 36, was launched on January 11, 1968, and was identical to the GEOS 1 satellite. The gravity-gradient-stabilized, solar-cell powered spacecraft carried electronic and geodetic instrumentation. 

The geodetic instrumentation systems included four optical beacons, two C-band radar transponders, a passive radar reflector, a sequential collation of range radio range transponder, a Goddard range/rate transponder, laser reflectors, and Doppler beacons. Non-geodetic systems included a laser detector and a Minitrack interferometer beacon. 

Type

Earth Observation Satellite

Data Center

GES DISC

Launch

January 11, 1968

Objective

Measure Earth's gravitational field
Inclination105.800°
Perigee1082.00 km
Apogee1570.00 km
Period112.20 minutes
Eccentricity0.03165
 

The following instruments flew aboard GEOS 2: 

  • Four optical beacons
  • Two C-band radar transponders
  • A passive radar reflector 
  • A sequential collation of range radio range transponder
  • A Goddard range and range rate transponder
  • Laser reflectors
  • Doppler beacons

Instruments Aboard GEOS-2

Related Platforms

GEOS-3

NASA's GEOS-3 set out to to measure the gravitational field around the Earth and map oceans.

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