# DMSP Block 4A F1
**Wikidata**: [Q9200506](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q9200506)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/dmsp-block-4a-f1

## Summary
DMSP Block 4A F1 was a weather satellite launched on September 16, 1966. It was designed to monitor weather and climate conditions and was deployed using a Thor-Burner launch vehicle. The satellite is identified by the international designation COSPAR ID 1966-082A and Satellite Catalog Number 02418.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Instance of a weather satellite, defined as an artificial satellite designed to monitor weather and climate.
- **Launch Date:** September 16, 1966.
- **Launch Vehicle:** Thor-Burner, an American expendable launch system and member of the Thor rocket family.
- **COSPAR ID:** 1966-082A.
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 02418.
- **Significant Event:** Rocket launch (point in time: September 16, 1966).
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID:** /g/122vf9nh.
- **Image:** A visual representation of the DMSP Block-4 series is available via Wikimedia Commons.

## FAQs
### Q: When was DMSP Block 4A F1 launched?
A: DMSP Block 4A F1 was launched on September 16, 1966.

### Q: What type of satellite is DMSP Block 4A F1?
A: It is classified as a weather satellite, which is an artificial satellite specifically designed to monitor weather and climate.

### Q: What rocket was used to launch DMSP Block 4A F1?
A: The satellite was launched using a Thor-Burner, an American expendable launch system that is part of the Thor rocket family.

### Q: What are the international identifiers for this satellite?
A: The satellite holds the COSPAR ID 1966-082A and the Satellite Catalog Number 02418.

## Why It Matters
DMSP Block 4A F1 serves as a historical data point in the evolution of American space-based meteorology. As a weather satellite, its primary role was to contribute to the monitoring of weather and climate, a critical function for both civilian forecasting and military planning. Its launch in the mid-1960s places it within a pivotal era of space exploration where artificial satellites were rapidly transitioning from experimental technology to operational tools.

The entity is also significant for its association with the Thor-Burner launch system. As a member of the Thor rocket family, the Thor-Burner represents a key lineage of American expendable launch vehicles that facilitated the deployment of numerous satellites during this period. The successful tracking and cataloging of DMSP Block 4A F1—evidenced by its permanent assignment of COSPAR ID 1966-082A and SCN 02418—illustrates the rigorous record-keeping established by international space agencies to manage objects in orbit. By examining entities like DMSP Block 4A F1, researchers can better understand the deployment patterns and technological capabilities of weather satellites during the 1960s.

## Notable For
- **Specific Identification:** Uniquely identified by the COSPAR ID 1966-082A and Satellite Catalog Number 02418.
- **Launch System:** Utilized the Thor-Burner launch vehicle, a distinct member of the widespread Thor rocket family.
- **Satellite Classification:** Serves as a distinct example of a weather satellite designed for climate and weather monitoring.
- **Historical Context:** Represents a specific space launch event recorded on September 16, 1966.

## Body

### Mission Profile and Classification
DMSP Block 4A F1 is explicitly classified as a weather satellite. According to knowledge base definitions, this places it within the category of artificial satellites designed specifically to monitor weather and climate conditions from orbit. The satellite's mission profile involved a rocket launch occurring on September 16, 1966.

### Launch and Vehicle
The launch of DMSP Block 4A F1 was facilitated by a Thor-Burner launch vehicle.
*   **Vehicle Type:** The Thor-Burner is characterized as an American expendable launch system.
*   **Rocket Family:** It is a member of the Thor rocket family, a lineage of rockets that played a significant role in US space operations.

### Identifiers and Tracking
The satellite is tracked and referenced through several standardized identifiers:
*   **COSPAR ID:** 1966-082A. This international designation marks the object as the primary payload (indicated by "A") launched in 1966 within the 082nd launch slot.
*   **Satellite Catalog Number:** 02418. This sequential number is assigned by the United States Space Command.
*   **Google Knowledge Graph ID:** /g/122vf9nh.

### Media and Documentation
*   **Imagery:** An image file associated with the entity is located at `DMSP_Block-4.jpg` on Wikimedia Commons.
*   **Language Data:** The entity has a "sitelink count" of 1 and is referenced in the Polish language Wikipedia ("pl").

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report