ISIS-2 Space Experiment Data Section

This strip of tape is an authentic piece of experimental data collected by the research satellite ISIS-2.

The magnetic tape section contains a portion of the raw ionospheric data transmitted directly from the satellite to its tracking station in Antarctica (See tracking station antenna and recording equipment images.)

The ISIS (International Satellites for Ionospheric Studies) program consisted of three spacecraft launched in the 1960s and 1970s to study the ionosphere and magnetosphere.

Launched in 1971, ISIS-2 conducted groundbreaking experiments, including ionospheric sounding, cosmic noise measurement, and auroral scanning. It captured the first images of the Aurora Borealis from above, and its valuable scientific observations have been cited in over 1,200 published scientific papers. 

Although ISIS-2 ceased operations in 1990 due to power loss, it continues to orbit the Earth.

Images: Government of Canada