#OTD: Canadian satellite Alouette-2 launches to study ionosphere—mission details & FAQs

November 29, 1965: Canada's second satellite Alouette 2 launches to study the ionosphere. Refurbished from the back-up model of the Alouette 1, Alouette 2 was active for almost 10 years from November 1965—August 1975.

November 29, 2020

#OTD: Canadian satellite Alouette-2 launches to study ionosphere—mission details & FAQs

November 29, 2020

Alouette 2 launched on November 29, 1965 aboard a Thor-Agena B rocket. Built from the back-up model of the Alouette 1, Alouette 2 was designed to further explore the ionosphere—a region of our atmosphere that influences radio frequencies around the world.

A Thor Agena rocket. January 13, 162. source: wikipedia

Alouette 2 FAQs

When did the Alouette 2 launch?	November 29, 1962
What vehicle did the Alouette 2 launch from?	Thora Agena B rocket
What was the purpose of the Alouette 2 satellite?	To study the ionosphere
How long was the Alouette 2 active?	10 years: Nov 29, 1965 - August 1, 1975 reactivated November 28 & 29 1975 to obtain data for 10th anniversary
What was the difference between Alouette 1 & Alouette 2?	additional probe experiment expanded sound frequency range plates installed on 23m antenna to correct de-spin from Alouette 1
Who built the Alouette 2?	RCA Montreal
What satellite came after the Alouette 2?	ISIS 1 & ISIS 2

Alouette 2 was the first of 3 additional projects between Canada and the U.S, through the International Satellites for Ionospheric Studies (ISIS) program featuring the ISIS 1 & ISIS 2 Satellites. At one point, the Alouette was named ISIS-X!

Looking for more Alouette information?

Check out Polyus Studios thorough and design-friendly summary of both Alouette satellites, and the birth of the Canadian Space Program