An image of the LOFTI II satellite from the archives of the National Museum of the U.S. NavyLOFTI 2B
LOFTI 2 ("LOw Frequency Trans Ionospheric Satellite", also styled LOFTI II) refers to a pair of United StatesNaval Research Laboratorysatellites launched in 1962 and 1963 as a follow-on to theLOFTI-1 mission. The program's mission was to study how theionosphere affectedvery low frequency transmissions. Both were 20-inch diameter aluminum spheres equipped with extendible antennas.[1]
LOFTI 2 was launched on 24 January 1962[2] as part of the Composite 1 mission alongside four other satellites.[3] The mission failed to reach orbit.[2][4]
LOFTI 2A was launched on 15 June 1963 alongside five other satellites.[5] It was equipped with a ten-foot antenna which could be extended to 40 feet remotely. The orbital injection motor on the launch vehicle failed to fire, leaving all of the satellites in the wrong orbit.[6]
Payloads are separated by bullets ( · ), launches by pipes ( | ). Crewed flights are indicated inunderline. Uncatalogued launch failures are listed initalics. Payloads deployed from other spacecraft are denoted in (brackets).
Payloads are separated by bullets ( · ), launches by pipes ( | ). Crewed flights are indicated inunderline. Uncatalogued launch failures are listed initalics. Payloads deployed from other spacecraft are denoted in (brackets).
