# NOAH'S ARK

> American signals intelligence satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q9293099](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q9293099)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/noah-s-ark-q9293099

## Summary
NOAH'S ARK was an American signals intelligence (SIGINT) satellite launched in 1964 as part of the P-11 program. It was a reconnaissance satellite designed to covertly collect intelligence data for military applications, operating in a polar orbit.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Reconnaissance satellite for intelligence and military applications
- **Part of**: P-11, an American small satellite SIGINT program
- **Operator**: United States Air Force
- **Launch date**: July 6, 1964, at 18:51:18 UTC from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 West
- **Launch vehicle**: Atlas-Agena D (serial number 352D)
- **Mass**: 60 kilograms
- **Orbit**: Polar orbit
- **Manufacturer**: Lockheed Corporation (spacecraft bus)
- **Aliases**: KH 7-09 Subsatellite, P-11 4301, P11 4301, Mission 7304, OPS 4923, EHH A3
- **COSPAR ID**: 1964-036B
- **Significant events**: Atmospheric entry on January 3, 1965

## FAQs
### Q: What was NOAH'S ARK used for?
A: NOAH'S ARK was a signals intelligence (SIGINT) satellite designed to covertly collect data for military and intelligence applications as part of the P-11 program.

### Q: Who launched NOAH'S ARK?
A: The United States Air Force launched NOAH'S ARK on July 6, 1964, using an Atlas-Agena D rocket from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 West.

### Q: What was the orbit of NOAH'S ARK?
A: NOAH'S ARK operated in a polar orbit, a common configuration for reconnaissance and intelligence-gathering satellites.

### Q: How heavy was NOAH'S ARK?
A: The satellite had a mass of 60 kilograms.

### Q: What was the significance of NOAH'S ARK's atmospheric entry?
A: NOAH'S ARK re-entered Earth's atmosphere on January 3, 1965, marking the end of its operational life.

## Why It Matters
NOAH'S ARK was part of the P-11 program, which aimed to deploy small, dedicated SIGINT satellites to support military operations. As a reconnaissance satellite, it played a crucial role in gathering intelligence data covertly. Its launch and operation contributed to the broader efforts of the U.S. military to enhance surveillance capabilities during the Cold War era. The satellite's polar orbit allowed for comprehensive coverage, supporting strategic intelligence gathering. While its exact mission details remain classified, NOAH'S ARK represents a key component of early U.S. space-based intelligence systems.

## Notable For
- **First of its kind**: One of the earliest dedicated SIGINT satellites in the P-11 program
- **Polar orbit**: Operated in a polar orbit, optimizing coverage for intelligence gathering
- **Part of P-11**: Contributed to the U.S. military's small satellite SIGINT initiative
- **Atlas-Agena D launch**: Utilized a reliable launch vehicle for its mission
- **60 kg mass**: A lightweight design typical of early reconnaissance satellites

## Body
### Mission Overview
NOAH'S ARK was launched on July 6, 1964, as part of the P-11 program, which focused on deploying small, specialized SIGINT satellites. The satellite was designed to operate in a polar orbit, providing extensive coverage for intelligence gathering. It was operated by the United States Air Force and manufactured by Lockheed Corporation.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 60 kilograms, a relatively lightweight design for a reconnaissance satellite.
- **Orbit**: Polar orbit, allowing for global surveillance capabilities.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Atlas-Agena D (serial number 352D), a reliable expendable launch system.
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 West, a key facility for U.S. military launches.

### Operational History
- **Launch**: Successfully launched on July 6, 1964, at 18:51:18 UTC.
- **Atmospheric Entry**: Re-entered Earth's atmosphere on January 3, 1965, marking the end of its operational life.

### Classification and Aliases
- **Class**: Reconnaissance satellite, part of the broader category of SIGINT satellites.
- **Aliases**: Known by multiple designations, including KH 7-09 Subsatellite, P-11 4301, and OPS 4923.

### Significance
NOAH'S ARK was significant as an early example of dedicated SIGINT satellites in the P-11 program. Its polar orbit and lightweight design reflected advancements in space-based intelligence gathering during the Cold War. While specific mission details remain classified, the satellite contributed to the U.S. military's efforts to enhance surveillance capabilities from space.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/noahs-ark.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/displayTrajectory.action?id=1964-036B)
4. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1964-036B)