The second D-5A satellite carried an experimental ion thruster. The satellite was a double octagon 0.56m long, 0.61m diameter with a mass of 30.5 kg. It was spin stabilized at 10 rpm (with two despin weights released after launch) and had body mounted solar cells. The hydrazine thruster was tested starting a few days after launch; erratic performance had reduced the perigee to 128 km by the beginning of August and Pollux reentered on Aug 5. The archival TLEs seem to be for another object.
| Pollux | |||
| Date | Time | Event | Orbit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 May 17 | Launch by Diamant B P.4 | CSG | |
| 1975 May 17 | 100.2 269 x 1283 x 30.0 | ||
| 1975 May 18 | 100.41 271 x 1284 x 30.0 | ||
| 1975 May 19 | Initial thruster test | ||
| 1975 May 22 | Thruster test | ||
| 1975 Jun 1 | 100.33 270 x 1278 x 30.0 | ||
| 1975 Aug | 128 x ? | ||
| 1975 Aug 5 | Reentered | ||