Vanguard 2 was a satellite launched by the United States on February 17, 1959, as a part of the Project Vanguard program. Designed to measure cloud cover distribution, it aimed to enhance the understanding of the Earth's weather patterns. The launch took place at Cape Canaveral, Florida, a major site for American space missions. Vanguard 2 followed the initial Vanguard satellite, which was primarily an experimental mission that experienced mixed results. The previous attempts were critical learning experiences that paved the way for future successes.

Vanguard 2 carried a payload that included a photoelectric cell, which was used to measure the amount of sunlight reflected by the clouds. This data was crucial for meteorologists and played a key role in developing more accurate weather forecasting models. The satellite successfully orbited the Earth, providing valuable information over its operational life, which lasted until mid-1960. Its successful launch demonstrated the capabilities of the U.S. in the emerging field of satellite technology and space exploration.

Despite the Cold War tensions and the space race with the Soviet Union, Vanguard 2 showcased American technological prowess. The satellite's ability to contribute to weather science also had implications for agriculture, aviation, and other sectors reliant on accurate weather predictions. Vanguard 2’s contributions to meteorology have helped establish the foundation for modern weather satellites, ultimately leading to the advanced satellite systems in use today.