# GLOMR

> former American military communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q17265631](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q17265631)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/glomr

## Summary

GLOMR is a military satellite belonging to the United States[1].

## Summary
GLOMR was a former American military communications satellite launched in 1985. It was deployed from the Space Shuttle Challenger and operated in low Earth orbit, primarily for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the Space Test Program.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Military satellite and communications satellite
- **Launch Date**: April 29, 1985 (STS-51-B) and October 30, 1985 (STS-61-A)
- **Launch Vehicle**: Space Shuttle Challenger
- **Deployment Date**: November 1, 1985
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit
- **Mass**: 52 kilograms (launch weight)
- **Height**: 0.60 meters
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array
- **Operators**: Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and Space Test Program
- **Manufacturer**: Rockwell International
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **Decay Date**: December 26, 1986 (atmospheric re-entry)

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of the GLOMR satellite?
A: GLOMR was a military communications satellite designed to support secure messaging and data transmission for the U.S. Department of Defense.

### Q: How was GLOMR launched?
A: GLOMR was deployed from the Space Shuttle Challenger during two missions: STS-51-B in April 1985 and STS-61-A in October 1985.

### Q: How long did GLOMR remain in orbit?
A: GLOMR operated in low Earth orbit until December 26, 1986, when it re-entered the atmosphere and was deactivated.

### Q: Who operated GLOMR?
A: GLOMR was operated by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the Space Test Program.

### Q: What was the significance of GLOMR?
A: GLOMR was significant as an early demonstration of military satellite communications capabilities, paving the way for future secure satellite networks.

## Why It Matters
GLOMR played a crucial role in advancing military satellite communications technology. As a low Earth orbiting satellite, it provided secure messaging and data transmission for the U.S. Department of Defense. Its deployment from the Space Shuttle Challenger demonstrated the feasibility of using reusable spacecraft for satellite launches. GLOMR's operational life ended in 1986, but its legacy contributed to the development of more advanced military communications satellites in subsequent decades.

## Notable For
- **First military satellite deployed from the Space Shuttle**, showcasing the integration of reusable spacecraft for satellite launches.
- **Operated in low Earth orbit**, providing secure communications for the U.S. military.
- **Supported the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)**, contributing to early research in satellite communications.
- **Developed by Rockwell International**, a key player in early military satellite technology.
- **Re-entered the atmosphere in 1986**, marking the end of its operational life.

## Body
### Overview
GLOMR (Global Low Orbiting Message Relay Satellite) was a military communications satellite developed by Rockwell International for the U.S. Department of Defense. It was launched twice from the Space Shuttle Challenger—first on STS-51-B in April 1985 and again on STS-61-A in October 1985—before being deployed into low Earth orbit on November 1, 1985.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 52 kilograms (launch weight)
- **Height**: 0.60 meters
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit

### Operational Details
- **Operators**: Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and Space Test Program
- **Launch Sites**: Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A
- **Launch Vehicles**: Space Shuttle Challenger (STS-51-B and STS-61-A)
- **Significant Events**:
  - **Deployment**: November 1, 1985
  - **Atmospheric Re-entry**: December 26, 1986

### Historical Context
GLOMR was part of early efforts to integrate military satellite communications with reusable spacecraft technology. Its deployment demonstrated the feasibility of using the Space Shuttle for satellite launches, a concept that influenced later missions. The satellite's operational life ended with its re-entry in 1986, but its contributions to military communications technology remain notable.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/glomr.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/displayTrajectory.action?id=1985-104B)
4. [Source](http://www.astronautix.com/g/glomr.html)