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The International Sun-Earth Explorer 2 (ISEE-2 a.k.a. ISEE-B)[1] was a space probe used to study magnetic fields near the Earth. ISEE-1 and ISEE-2 were launched on October 22, 1977, and they re-entered on September 26, 1987.[2][2] The instruments on board ISEE-2 were designed to measure electric and magnetic field properties.

International Sun-Earth Explorer 2
ISEE Orbits.gif
Mission typeStudy of the Earth's magnetic field and the solar wind
OperatorESA / NASA
COSPAR ID1977-102A
SATCAT no.10423
Spacecraft properties
ManufacturerDornier-System GmbH
Launch mass340 kg (750 lb)
Start of mission
Launch date13:53, October 22, 1977 (UTC) (1977-10-22T13:53Z)
Launch siteCape Canaveral LC-17B
End of mission
Decay dateSeptember 26, 1987 (1987-09-26)
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric
Perigee altitude1.04 Earth radii
Apogee altitude23 Earth radii
EpochOctober 22, 1977

ISEE-2 had a thruster to adjust the spacing between the two spacecraft, depending on desired goal.[3] Early results from duo stated that by having two spacecraft, the "spatial and temporal variations in the magnetosphere and solar wind" could be detected.[3]



The space probe was part of a program consisting of three spacecraft: a mother/daughter pair (ISEE-1 and ISEE-2) and the ISEE-3 spacecraft (later renamed to International Cometary Explorer). The program was a cooperative mission between NASA and ESRO (later ESA) designed to study the interaction between the Earth's magnetic field and the solar wind. At least 32 institutions were involved, and the focus was on understanding magnetic fields.[4] ISEE-1 (a.k.a. Explorer 56) and ISEE-3 were built by NASA, while ISEE-2 was built by ESA. All three had complimentary instruments supported by the same group of over 100 scientists.[4]

ISEE-3 was launched the following year, later renamed ICE, and was noted for being contacted in the 2010s from Earth


  • ISEE-2 was spun at rate of 19.8 rpm[1]
  • Its solar panels produced 112 watts at launch[1]
  • Standard data rate was 2048 bit/s[1]
  • Had thruster to adjust its distance from ISEE-1[3]

See alsoEdit


  1. ^ a b c d [1]
  2. ^ a b "NASA - NSSDC - Spacecraft - Details". Retrieved 2014-03-12.
  3. ^ a b c [2]
  4. ^ a b "ISEE - eoPortal Directory - Satellite Missions". Retrieved 2014-03-12.