# Multi Research Payload Vehicle

> military research satellite destroyed in a launch failure

**Wikidata**: [Q25403342](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q25403342)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/multi-research-payload-vehicle

## Summary
The Multi Research Payload Vehicle was a military research satellite that was destroyed during a launch failure on September 2, 1965. It was operated by the United States Air Force as part of early military space research efforts.

## Key Facts
- Launched on September 2, 1965, at 20:00:16 from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1 East
- Had a mass of approximately 1,100 kilograms
- Was powered by a Bell Model 8096 with battery power source
- Used a Thor-Agena D launch vehicle (designation 401/1602)
- Manufactured by Lockheed Corporation for the United States Air Force
- Aliases include MRPV, Corona 99, OPS 3373, FTV 1602, and NNN 6501
- NSSDCA ID: NNN6501
- Classified as a military satellite and former entity

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of the Multi Research Payload Vehicle?
A: The MRPV was designed as a military research satellite to carry multiple experimental payloads for various military research purposes, though it never reached orbit due to launch failure.

### Q: What happened to the Multi Research Payload Vehicle?
A: The satellite was destroyed during its launch on September 2, 1965, due to a launch failure and never achieved orbit.

### Q: Who built and operated the Multi Research Payload Vehicle?
A: Lockheed Corporation manufactured the satellite, which was operated by the United States Air Force.

## Why It Matters
The Multi Research Payload Vehicle represents an early attempt at conducting multi-payload military research in space, despite its unsuccessful mission. It contributed to the broader development of military satellite technology and launch systems in the United States during the 1960s. While the mission ended in failure, the experience gained from such programs helped refine satellite design and launch vehicle reliability for subsequent missions, playing a role in the advancement of military space capabilities during the Cold War era.

## Notable For
- Being a multi-payload research satellite designed to carry multiple experiments simultaneously
- Its use of a Thor-Agena D launch vehicle from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1 East
- Its connection to the Corona program as evidenced by one of its aliases (Corona 99)
- Its specific mass of approximately 1,100 kilograms, typical for research satellites of that era
- Its status as one of several military research satellites that failed during launch in the mid-1960s

## Body
### Overview
The Multi Research Payload Vehicle (MRPV) was a military research satellite that suffered a launch failure on September 2, 1965. Despite never reaching orbit, it was part of the United States Air Force's early efforts to conduct military research in space.

### Technical Specifications
- Mass: Approximately 1,100 kilograms
- Power source: Bell Model 8096 with battery backup
- Manufacturer: Lockheed Corporation
- NSSDCA ID: NNN6501

### Mission Details
- Launch date: September 2, 1965
- Launch time: 20:00:16
- Launch location: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1 East
- Launch vehicle: Thor-Agena D (designation 401/1602)
- Status: Destroyed due to launch failure

### Identifiers
- Primary name: Multi Research Payload Vehicle
- Aliases: MRPV, Corona 99, OPS 3373, FTV 1602, NNN 6501

### Classification
- Instance of: Military satellite, former entity
- Operator: United States Air Force
- Country of origin: United States

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/mrpv.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report