The D-2A satellite was the first of the true Diamant B class payloads. Its mission was to study the geocorona, the diffuse cloud of hydrogen and helium surrounding the Earth. It was launched on 1971 Apr 15 into a 46 degree inclination orbit; the satellite was named Tournesol (Sunflower) after its bright yellow paint scheme. CNES operated the satellite from its COBY (Centre d'Operations de Bretigny) control center south of Paris.
| Tournesol | |||
| Date | Time | Event | Orbit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1971 Apr 15 | 0919:37 | Launch by Diamant B | CSG |
| 96.2 457 x 697 x 46.4 | |||
| 1980 Jan 28 | Reentered | ||