# OSO 1

> solar space observatory

**Wikidata**: [Q16325215](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16325215)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/oso-1

## Summary
OSO 1 (Orbiting Solar Observatory 1) was an American solar space observatory and artificial satellite launched on March 7, 1962. As the first satellite in the Orbiting Solar Observatory series, it was manufactured by Ball Aerospace & Technologies and operated by NASA to study the Sun before its mission ended in May 1964.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date:** March 7, 1962
- **Operator:** National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
- **Manufacturer:** Ball Aerospace & Technologies
- **Mass:** 207.7 kilograms
- **Mission End:** May 1964 (due to battery failure)
- **Orbital Decay:** October 8, 1981
- **COSPAR ID:** 1962-006A
- **Launch Vehicle:** Thor-Delta
- **Launch Site:** Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17
- **Series:** Orbiting Solar Observatory (succeeded by OSO 2)

## FAQs
### Q: When was OSO 1 launched?
A: OSO 1 was launched on March 7, 1962, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17.

### Q: What was the mass of OSO 1?
A: The spacecraft had a total mass of 207.7 kilograms.

### Q: When did the OSO 1 mission end?
A: The operational mission ended in May 1964 following a battery failure. The satellite remained in orbit until it decayed into the atmosphere on October 8, 1981.

### Q: Who manufactured and operated OSO 1?
A: OSO 1 was manufactured by Ball Aerospace & Technologies and operated by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

## Why It Matters
OSO 1 holds significant historical importance as the inaugural satellite of the Orbiting Solar Observatory program, a series dedicated to studying the Sun. As an artificial satellite, it represented a critical step in space-based astronomy, allowing for observations of the solar spectrum without the interference of Earth's atmosphere. Launched in 1962, it provided essential data during the early years of the Space Race.

The satellite's design and operation set the precedent for subsequent missions in the series, such as OSO 2. Its longevity—remaining in orbit for nearly two decades—demonstrated the durability of early space hardware, even though its active data collection ceased in 1964 due to battery limitations. By successfully deploying from a Thor-Delta launch vehicle, it also validated the reliability of this expendable launch system for scientific missions.

## Notable For
- Being the **first** satellite in the Orbiting Solar Observatory series.
- Launching successfully aboard a **Thor-Delta** expendable launch system.
- Being manufactured by **Ball Aerospace & Technologies**, a prominent aerospace manufacturer.
- Operating as a dedicated **solar space observatory**.
- Having a distinct **Harvard designation** (1962 Zeta 1).

## Body
### Mission Overview
OSO 1, also known by its alias OSO A or Orbiting Solar Observatory 1, was a solar space observatory designed to collect data on the Sun. It was an artificial satellite classified under the Orbiting Solar Observatory series. The spacecraft was successfully launched on March 7, 1962, utilizing a Thor-Delta launch vehicle from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17.

### Technical Specifications
The spacecraft had a recorded mass of 207.7 kilograms. It was assigned the COSPAR ID 1962-006A and the NSSDCA ID 1962-006A. In the Harvard designation system, it was recorded as 1962 Zeta 1. The manufacturer responsible for the build was Ball Aerospace & Technologies.

### Operational Timeline
The satellite's active operational period was defined by its launch in early 1962 and its end time in May 1964. The conclusion of its active mission was attributed to battery failure. Following the cessation of its mission, the satellite remained in orbit as space debris until it re-entered the atmosphere. The time of its orbital decay is recorded as October 8, 1981.

### Series Context
OSO 1 was the predecessor to OSO 2. It served as the initial component of the broader Orbiting Solar Observatory program, which consisted of a series of American solar space observatories.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "OSO 1",
  "description": "First satellite in the Orbiting Solar Observatory series, launched in 1962 to study the Sun.",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1962-006A"
  ],
  "additionalType": "Artificial Satellite"
}

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1962-006A)
3. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/displayTrajectory.action?id=1962-006A)