Vector 2

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Vector 2
File:Vector 2 Space.png
Vector 2 in space
Mission typePlanetary flyby
OperatorPAC
COSPAR IDTemplate:Cospar
SATCAT no.Template:Wd
Mission duration16 months, 3 days
Spacecraft properties
Spacecraft typeVector
based on Miner430 Block VI
ManufacturerALT Corporation
Launch mass202.8 kilograms (447 lb)
Power220 watts
Start of mission
Launch dateFebruary 21 1961, 06:53:14
Launch siteLatinum Point, Alcoyeno
End of mission
Last contactJune 15, 1961
Template:Infobox spaceflight/IP Template:Infobox spaceflight/IP
 

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.