# ANNA 1B

> American satellite dedicated to geodesy

**Wikidata**: [Q17381](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q17381)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ANNA_1B)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/anna-1b

## Summary
ANNA 1B was an American satellite dedicated to geodesy, launched on October 31, 1962, from Cape Canaveral. It was part of the geodetic satellite class and operated in low Earth orbit, contributing to the study of Earth's shape and gravitational field.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: October 31, 1962, at 08:08 UTC
- **Launch Site**: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17A
- **Launch Vehicle**: Thor-Ablestar (mission designation: 319/AB012)
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit
- **Classification**: Geodetic satellite
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **COSPAR ID**: 1962-060A
- **NSSDCA ID**: 1962-060A
- **Harvard Designation**: 1962 Beta Mu 1
- **Aliases**: Flashing Light Geodetic Satellite

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of ANNA 1B?
A: ANNA 1B was designed for geodetic research, helping to study Earth's shape, gravitational field, and other geophysical parameters.

### Q: Which launch vehicle carried ANNA 1B?
A: The satellite was launched using a Thor-Ablestar rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17A.

### Q: What was ANNA 1B's orbit?
A: ANNA 1B operated in a low Earth orbit, typical for geodetic satellites.

### Q: What is the difference between ANNA 1B and other geodetic satellites?
A: ANNA 1B was one of several geodetic satellites, but its specific contributions to geodesy are detailed in historical records.

### Q: Where can I find more information about ANNA 1B?
A: Detailed records are available in the National Space Science Data Center (NSSDCA) under ID 1962-060A.

## Why It Matters
ANNA 1B played a crucial role in early geodetic research, contributing to the understanding of Earth's shape and gravitational field. As part of the geodetic satellite class, it helped refine measurements used in geodesy, which is essential for mapping, navigation, and scientific studies. Its mission supported broader efforts in space-based geophysical research during the 1960s.

## Notable For
- **Geodetic Research**: ANNA 1B provided data critical to early geodetic studies.
- **Low Earth Orbit Operations**: It demonstrated the feasibility of geodetic satellites in LEO.
- **Historical Significance**: One of the earliest dedicated geodetic satellites, paving the way for future missions.

## Body
### Mission Overview
ANNA 1B was launched on October 31, 1962, aboard a Thor-Ablestar rocket from Cape Canaveral. It was part of a series of geodetic satellites designed to study Earth's geoid and gravitational anomalies.

### Technical Specifications
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit, allowing for precise geodetic measurements.
- **Payload**: Included instruments for tracking and data collection.
- **Duration**: Operated for a period consistent with early geodetic satellites.

### Historical Context
- **Geodetic Satellite Class**: ANNA 1B was part of a broader category of satellites used for geodetic research.
- **Thor-Ablestar**: The launch vehicle was a modified Thor-Ablestar, commonly used for early satellite deployments.

### Legacy
ANNA 1B's mission contributed to foundational research in geodesy, influencing later satellite-based geophysical studies. Its data remains a reference in historical records.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report