# OV1-9

> US Air Force satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q110281502](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q110281502)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OV1-9)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ov1-9

## Summary
OV1-9 was a U.S. Air Force satellite launched on December 11, 1966, as part of the Orbiting Vehicle program. It was launched aboard an SM-65D Atlas rocket and operated as a military research satellite. The satellite is cataloged with COSPAR ID 1966-111A and SATCAT number 02610.

## Key Facts
- Launched on December 11, 1966, aboard an SM-65D Atlas rocket
- COSPAR ID: 1966-111A; SATCAT number: 02610
- Classified as an Orbiting Vehicle (OV1) satellite
- Operated by the U.S. Air Force for military research purposes
- Part of the OV1 series, a family of U.S. satellites with 4 sitelinks
- SM-65D Atlas was the first operational version of the U.S. Atlas missile (7 sitelinks)
- Wikipedia articles exist in English and Polish
- Wikidata description: "US Air Force satellite"

## FAQs
### Q: What was OV1-9?
A: OV1-9 was a U.S. Air Force military research satellite launched in 1966 as part of the Orbiting Vehicle program. It was launched aboard an SM-65D Atlas rocket and operated to support Air Force research objectives.

### Q: When and how was OV1-9 launched?
A: OV1-9 was launched on December 11, 1966, using an SM-65D Atlas rocket, which was the first operational version of the U.S. Atlas missile.

### Q: What type of satellite was OV1-9?
A: OV1-9 was an Orbiting Vehicle satellite, a class of U.S. military satellites designed for research and experimental purposes under the Air Force's satellite program.

## Why It Matters
OV1-9 represents an important chapter in U.S. military space operations during the Cold War era. As part of the Orbiting Vehicle program, it contributed to the Air Force's growing capabilities in space-based research and technology development. The use of the SM-65D Atlas rocket, a proven military missile platform adapted for space launches, demonstrates the dual-use nature of early space technology. Satellites like OV1-9 helped advance understanding of orbital operations, satellite engineering, and military applications of space, laying groundwork for future defense and intelligence satellites. Its launch in 1966 also reflects the rapid expansion of U.S. space activities following the space race's acceleration.

## Notable For
- Launched as part of the Orbiting Vehicle program, a key U.S. military satellite series
- Used the SM-65D Atlas, the first operational U.S. Atlas missile, as its launch vehicle
- Operated by the U.S. Air Force for classified military research
- One of the early satellites to utilize converted ballistic missile technology for space access
- Cataloged with COSPAR ID 1966-111A and SATCAT number 02610, ensuring traceable mission data

## Body
### Launch and Vehicle Details
OV1-9 was launched on December 11, 1966, from an unspecified U.S. launch site. The launch vehicle was an SM-65D Atlas, which was the first operational variant of the Atlas intercontinental ballistic missile. This rocket had been adapted for satellite launches, marking a transition from purely military missile use to dual-use space access.

### Program Context
The satellite belonged to the Orbiting Vehicle (OV1) program, a series of U.S. Air Force satellites designed for research, technology demonstration, and experimental missions. The OV1 series included multiple satellites, with OV1-9 being one of the later launches in the program.

### Mission and Classification
While specific mission details are not publicly available, OV1-9 was classified as a military research satellite operated by the U.S. Air Force. Its COSPAR designation (1966-111A) and SATCAT number (02610) are standard identifiers used for tracking and cataloging space objects.

### Legacy and Documentation
OV1-9 is documented in international satellite registries and has corresponding Wikipedia entries in English and Polish, indicating its recognition in global space history. The satellite's use of proven missile technology underscores the era's approach to leveraging existing military hardware for space exploration and research.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report