In today's world, Scout X-2M has gained unprecedented relevance. Whether in the field of technology, politics, entertainment or any other field, Scout X-2M has become a constant topic of conversation and an inexhaustible source of interest and debate. Its impact ranges from the decisions we make in our daily lives to the great transformations we witness globally. In this article, we will explore in detail all the facets of Scout X-2M, unraveling both its practical implications and its symbolic meaning. Through an exhaustive analysis, we will seek to shed light on the different aspects that make Scout X-2M a phenomenon worthy of analysis and investigation.
![]() Scout X-2M with P35-1 payload (DMSP-1, FTV-3501), May 24, 1962 | |
Function | Expendable launch system |
---|---|
Manufacturer | Vought |
Country of origin | United States |
Size | |
Height | 22 metres (72 ft) |
Diameter | 1.02 metres (3 ft 4 in) |
Mass | 17,000 kilograms (37,000 lb) |
Stages | Four |
Associated rockets | |
Family | Scout |
Launch history | |
Status | Retired |
Launch sites | Point Arguello LC-D |
Total launches | 3 |
Success(es) | 1 |
Failure(s) | 2 |
First flight | 1962-05-24 |
Last flight | 1963-04-26 |
First stage – Algol 1D | |
Powered by | 1 solid |
Maximum thrust | 440 kilonewtons (99,000 lbf) |
Burn time | 44 seconds |
Propellant | Solid |
Second stage – Castor 1A | |
Powered by | 1 solid |
Maximum thrust | 286 kilonewtons (64,000 lbf) |
Specific impulse | 247 sec |
Burn time | 27 seconds |
Propellant | Solid |
Third stage – Antares 2A | |
Powered by | 1 X-254 |
Maximum thrust | 93 kilonewtons (21,000 lbf) |
Specific impulse | 293 sec |
Burn time | 36 seconds |
Propellant | Solid |
Fourth stage – MG-18 | |
Powered by | 1 Solid |
Propellant | Solid |
Scout X-2M was an American expendable launch system which was flown three times between May 1962 and April 1963. It was a four-stage rocket, based on the earlier Scout X-2, but with an MG-18 upper stage instead of the Altair used on the X-2. It was a member of the Scout family of rockets.
The Scout X-2 was an all-solid rocket, with an Algol 1D first stage, a Castor 1A second stage, an Antares 2A third stage, and an MG-18 fourth stage. It was launched from Launch Complex D at Point Arguello, and was used for the launch of P-35 weather satellites.
The first Scout X-2M was launched 24 May 1962, carrying P35-1, but failed to reach orbit. The second flight, launched at 11:44 GMT on 23 August, was the only successful launch to be made by an X-2M, placing P35-2 into low Earth orbit. The final launch, with P35-4 occurred on 26 April 1963, and like the first flight, it failed to reach orbit.