# DODGE

> American research satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q3329015](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3329015)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DODGE)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/dodge

## Summary
DODGE (Department of Defense Gravity Experiment) was an American research satellite launched on July 1, 1967. Funded by the United States Navy and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), its primary purpose was scientific research. It was operated by NASA and designed to conduct experiments related to gravity.

## Key Facts
*   **Launch Date:** July 1, 1967, at 13:15:01 UTC
*   **Type:** Research satellite
*   **Alias:** Department of Defense Gravity Experiment
*   **Mass:** 102 kilograms
*   **Funder:** United States Navy, National Aeronautics and Space Administration
*   **Operator:** National Aeronautics and Space Administration
*   **Launch Vehicle:** Titan IIIC (3C-14)
*   **Launch Site:** Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41
*   **Apoapsis:** 33,659 kilometers
*   **Periapsis:** 33,270 kilometers
*   **Orbital Period:** 1318.9 minutes

## FAQs
### Q: What is DODGE?
A: DODGE is an American research satellite, also known by its full name, Department of Defense Gravity Experiment. It was launched in 1967 for scientific research purposes.

### Q: When was DODGE launched?
A: DODGE was launched on July 1, 1967, at 13:15:01 UTC. The launch took place from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41.

### Q: Who funded and operated DODGE?
A: DODGE was funded by both the United States Navy and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). It was operated by NASA.

### Q: What were the orbital characteristics of DODGE?
A: DODGE maintained an orbit with an apoapsis of 33,659 kilometers and a periapsis of 33,270 kilometers. Its orbital period was 1318.9 minutes, and it had an orbital inclination of 6.2 degrees.

## Why It Matters
DODGE holds significance as an early American research satellite dedicated to scientific inquiry, particularly in the realm of gravity experiments. As a research satellite, it contributed to the advancement of space technology and scientific understanding from orbit. The data collected by such missions is crucial for developing models of Earth's gravitational field, understanding orbital mechanics, and informing the design of future spacecraft and navigation systems. Its high, near-geosynchronous orbit allowed for prolonged observation and experimentation from a stable vantage point, which is valuable for long-term studies. The involvement of both the United States Navy and NASA highlights a collaborative effort in pushing the boundaries of space science and defense-related research during a pivotal era of space exploration. Such experiments lay foundational knowledge for both civilian and military applications in space.

## Notable For
*   Its full designation as the "Department of Defense Gravity Experiment," indicating a specific research focus on gravity.
*   Operating in a high, near-geosynchronous orbit with an apoapsis of 33,659 km and a periapsis of 33,270 km.
*   Being a collaborative project funded by both the United States Navy and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
*   Its role as an American research satellite contributing to scientific understanding in the 1960s.

## Body

### Overview
DODGE, an acronym for Department of Defense Gravity Experiment, was an American research satellite. It was classified as an artificial satellite designed for scientific research.

### Identification
*   **COSPAR ID:** 1967-066F
*   **NSSDC ID:** 1967-066F
*   **SCN:** 02867
*   **Freebase ID:** /m/0j24bmd
*   **Wikipedia Title:** DODGE
*   **Wikidata Description:** American research satellite

### Funding and Operations
*   **Funder:** United States Navy, National Aeronautics and Space Administration
*   **Operator:** National Aeronautics and Space Administration
*   **Manufacturer:** Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

### Launch Details
*   **Launch Date:** 1967-07-01, 13:15:01 UTC
*   **Launch Vehicle:** Titan IIIC (model 3C-14)
*   **Launch Site:** Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41
*   **Significant Event:** Rocket launch on 1967-07-01 from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41

### Physical Characteristics
*   **Mass:** 102 kilograms
*   **Length:** 2.41 meters
*   **Diameter:** 1.22 meters

### Orbital Parameters
*   **Parent Astronomical Body:** Earth
*   **Epoch:** 1967
*   **Apoapsis:** 33,659 kilometers
*   **Periapsis:** 33,270 kilometers
*   **Orbital Period:** 1318.9 minutes
*   **Orbital Inclination:** 6.2 degrees
*   **Orbital Eccentricity:** 0.00488

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/dodge.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/displayTrajectory.action?id=1967-066F)
4. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1967-066F)