Vector 2

Vector 2

File:Vector 2 Space.png Vector 2 in space
Mission type	Planetary flyby
Operator	PAC
COSPAR ID	Template:Cospar
SATCAT no.	Template:Wd
Mission duration	16 months, 3 days
Spacecraft properties
Spacecraft type	Vector based on Miner430 Block VI
Manufacturer	ALT Corporation
Launch mass	202.8 kilograms (447 lb)
Power	220 watts
Start of mission
Launch date	February 21 1961, 06:53:14
Launch site	Latinum Point, Alcoyeno
End of mission
Last contact	June 15, 1961
Template:Infobox spaceflight/IP Template:Infobox spaceflight/IP
Flagship

Vector 2 was the second in a series of spacecraft intended for planetary exploration in a flyby mode. It was designed to conduct closeup scientific observations of the inner planets and to transmit these observations to Anteria. Launched on February 21 1961 Vector 2 performed the first successful flyby of the planet Slahonus and Bieruta, returning the first close-up pictures of the inner planets surfaces. The craft was then re-geared to travel to the outer planets, however due to power failures it was caught in the orbit of Bieruta and crashed onto the planets surface on June 15, 1961; 9 days after it's flyby with the planet.