# Ferret 6
**Wikidata**: [Q11697952](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q11697952)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ferret-6

## Summary
Ferret 6 is a United States reconnaissance satellite launched on July 2, 1964, as part of the Cold War-era intelligence-gathering efforts. It was designed to collect covert data for military and intelligence purposes and was launched from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1 using a Thor-Agena D rocket. Classified under the reconnaissance satellite category, it represents early advancements in space-based surveillance technology.

## Key Facts
- Launched on **July 2, 1964** from **Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1**
- Classified as a **reconnaissance satellite** used for intelligence collection
- Launched aboard a **Thor-Agena D** orbital launch vehicle
- Assigned **COSPAR ID**: **1964-035A**
- Listed in satellite catalogs with **SCN number**: **00824**
- Part of the broader **Ferret satellite program**, which focused on signals intelligence (SIGINT)
- Has a corresponding entry in the **Wolfram Language** as `Entity["Satellite", "00922"]`
- Linked to one Wikipedia language version: **Polish**

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Ferret 6?
A: Ferret 6 was a reconnaissance satellite developed to gather intelligence data, primarily through signals intelligence (SIGINT), during the Cold War. It supported U.S. national security objectives by monitoring foreign communications and activities from orbit.

### Q: When was Ferret 6 launched?
A: Ferret 6 was launched on **July 2, 1964**, from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1 in California. The launch was conducted using a Thor-Agena D rocket.

### Q: How is Ferret 6 classified?
A: Ferret 6 is classified as a **reconnaissance satellite**, specifically associated with the U.S. military's intelligence-gathering programs. It falls under the broader Ferret series of satellites, known for their SIGINT capabilities.

## Why It Matters
Ferret 6 represents a key milestone in the evolution of space-based intelligence operations during the Cold War. As part of the larger Ferret program, it contributed to the United States' strategic advantage by enabling remote surveillance and electronic intelligence collection without violating international airspace. Its deployment demonstrated the growing importance of space assets in national defense and marked a shift toward technologically advanced methods of espionage. Satellites like Ferret 6 laid the groundwork for modern reconnaissance systems that continue to shape global security infrastructure today.

## Notable For
- Being part of the **Ferret satellite program**, which pioneered space-based SIGINT operations
- Launching via the reliable **Thor-Agena D** rocket, widely used in early U.S. space missions
- Having a documented **COSPAR ID (1964-035A)** and **SCN number (00824)** for tracking and cataloging purposes
- Representing an early example of **classified reconnaissance satellites** deployed during the Cold War
- Being referenced in both **Wikidata** and **Wolfram Language** knowledge systems

## Body

### Mission Overview
Ferret 6 was a classified reconnaissance satellite operated by the United States during the height of the Cold War. Designed primarily for signals intelligence (SIGINT) collection, it monitored foreign radar, telemetry, and communication signals from orbit. These missions were critical to understanding adversaries’ military capabilities and intentions.

### Launch Details
The satellite was successfully launched on **July 2, 1964**, at **Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1**, located in California. The launch vehicle used was the **Thor-Agena D**, a two-stage American orbital launch system commonly employed for early military and scientific payloads.

### Technical Classification
Ferret 6 is categorized as a **reconnaissance satellite**, aligning with other members of the Ferret program. These satellites were instrumental in advancing the U.S. government’s ability to conduct covert surveillance from space, avoiding diplomatic risks associated with aerial reconnaissance flights.

### Identification Numbers
To facilitate tracking and identification within global satellite databases, Ferret 6 has been assigned several identifiers:
- **COSPAR ID**: 1964-035A
- **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number)**: 00824

These identifiers are used by organizations such as NORAD and NASA for orbital monitoring and cataloging purposes.

### Historical Context
Launched amid rising geopolitical tensions, Ferret 6 reflects the strategic emphasis placed on technological superiority in intelligence gathering. It played a supporting role in shaping U.S. policy decisions based on actionable intelligence derived from outer space—a domain increasingly recognized for its tactical value during the mid-20th century.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report