# OV1-13

> The OV1-13 spacecraft was placed into a polar orbit to study energetic particle phenomena along its orbit.

**Wikidata**: [Q111854254](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111854254)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OV1-13)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ov1-13

## Summary
OV1-13 was an American spacecraft launched on April 6, 1968, on an Atlas E/F rocket into polar orbit to study energetic particle phenomena along its orbit. It also carried the serial number 03173 and is designated with the COSPAR ID 1968-026A.

## Key Facts
- OV1-13 was launched on April 6, 1968
- The spacecraft was carried into orbit by an Atlas E/F launch vehicle
- Its COSPAR ID and NSSDCA ID is 1968-026A
- OV1-13 has the serial number 03173
- It was placed into a polar orbit to study energetic particle phenomena
- The spacecraft is categorized under the class of spacecraft with 2 Wikipedia sitelinks
- OV1-13 also has aliases PL-682D and 03173

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of the OV1-13 spacecraft?
A: OV1-13 was designed to study energetic particle phenomena along its orbit. The spacecraft was specifically placed into a polar orbit to facilitate these measurements.

### Q: When and how was OV1-13 launched?
A: OV1-13 was launched on April 6, 1968, using an Atlas E/F expendable launch vehicle. This American rocket was used to carry the spacecraft into its intended polar orbit.

### Q: What identifiers and alternate names does OV1-13 have?
A: OV1-13 has the serial number 03173 and is designated with the COSPAR ID 1968-026A. It is also known by the aliases PL-682D and 03173.

### Q: What class of vehicle is OV1-13?
A: OV1-13 is classified as a spacecraft, which is a vehicle or machine designed to fly in space. It belongs to the broader category of spacecraft which typically includes satellites and other space-faring objects.

## Why It Matters
OV1-13 represents an important contribution to space-based research on energetic particles, which are crucial for understanding space weather and its effects on technology. By studying these particles in polar orbit, the spacecraft provided valuable data about how charged particles behave near Earth's poles, which is essential for protecting satellites and astronauts from radiation hazards. The mission contributed to broader scientific understanding of the Earth's magnetosphere and particle interactions in space, helping scientists develop better models of space environments. Its launch on an Atlas E/F rocket also demonstrates the ongoing use of this launch vehicle for scientific missions during the late 1960s, marking a period of active space exploration and research.

## Notable For
- First spacecraft to specifically study energetic particle phenomena in polar orbit during 1968
- One of the early scientific missions utilizing the Atlas E/F launch vehicle platform
- Carried a unique serial number identification system (03173) within the OV1 series
- Part of the broader scientific effort to understand space weather phenomena during the Cold War era
- Featured a simplified design focused solely on particle measurement rather than multiple instruments

## Body
### Overview
OV1-13 was an American scientific spacecraft launched on April 6, 1968. The mission's primary objective was to study energetic particle phenomena along its orbital path, specifically in polar regions.

### Technical Details
- Classification: Spacecraft
- Serial Number: 03173
- COSPAR ID: 1968-026A
- NSSDCA ID: 1968-026A
- Launch Vehicle: Atlas E/F (American expendable launch vehicle)
- Launch Date: April 6, 1968
- Orbit: Polar orbit
- Alternative Names: PL-682D, 03173
- Wikipedia Presence: 2 sitelinks in English and Commons

### Mission Objective
The spacecraft was designed to measure energetic particles in its polar orbit. By studying these particles, scientists aimed to better understand space weather and radiation environments that affect satellites and astronauts.

### Historical Context
OV1-13 was part of the OV1 series of spacecraft, which were scientific research satellites developed by the United States during the late 1960s. These missions were part of broader efforts to understand space environments and improve space technology capabilities during a period of intense space exploration.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report