# P35-9
**Wikidata**: [Q11801756](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q11801756)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/p35-9

## Summary

P35-9 is a research satellite launched on June 18, 1964, as part of America's early space exploration efforts. It was launched from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1 using a Thor-Agena D rocket and carries the COSPAR designation 1964-031B. The satellite was designed specifically for scientific research purposes, representing one of the early artificial satellites dedicated to gathering data in the vacuum of space.

## Key Facts

- **COSPAR ID:** 1964-031B
- **Serial Number (SCN):** 00813
- **Launch Date:** June 18, 1964
- **Launch Vehicle:** Thor-Agena D
- **Launch Site:** Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1
- **Classification:** Research satellite (artificial satellite designed for scientific research)
- **Wikipedia Language:** Polish (pl)
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID:** /g/1238gjw1
- **Sitelink Count:** 1

## FAQs

**What type of satellite is P35-9?**

P35-9 is classified as a research satellite, which is an artificial satellite specifically designed and constructed for scientific research purposes. These satellites are equipped with instruments to collect data about space environments, atmospheric conditions, or other scientific phenomena.

**When and where was P35-9 launched?**

P35-9 was launched on June 18, 1964, from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1, located in California. This launch site has been historically significant for American space missions, particularly those requiring polar or sun-synchronous orbits.

**What launch vehicle carried P35-9 into orbit?**

P35-9 was launched aboard a Thor-Agena D rocket, which was an American orbital launch vehicle. The Thor-Agena series was widely used during the 1960s for both civilian and military satellite missions.

**What is the significance of the COSPAR ID 1964-031B?**

The COSPAR ID serves as a unique identifier for artificial objects launched into space. The designation "1964-031B" indicates that P35-9 was the second object (B) launched in 1964, with 031 referring to the 31st launch attempt of that year.

## Why It Matters

P35-9 represents an important chapter in the early history of space-based scientific research. As a research satellite from the mid-1960s, it contributed to humanity's growing understanding of space environments and demonstrated the feasibility of dedicated scientific platforms operating beyond Earth's atmosphere. The early 1960s were a formative period for satellite technology, with each mission building upon the lessons learned from previous launches. P35-9's existence as a research satellite specifically designed for scientific data collection helped establish the paradigm for future space-based scientific endeavors that continue to this day. The data gathered by such satellites laid the groundwork for advances in meteorology, atmospheric science, and our understanding of near-Earth space conditions.

## Notable For

- **Historical Significance:** One of the early research satellites from the 1960s space research era
- **Distinct Mission Purpose:** Specifically designed for scientific research rather than communications or reconnaissance
- **Part of Thor-Agena Legacy:** Launched aboard the reliable Thor-Agena D launch vehicle, a workhorse of early American space missions

## Body

### Historical Context

P35-9 emerged during a pivotal decade in space exploration. The year 1964 saw the Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union in full swing, with both nations aggressively expanding their orbital capabilities. Research satellites like P35-9 represented America's commitment to scientific investigation in space, complementing the more publicized human spaceflight programs. The early 1960s witnessed a significant expansion in the number and variety of satellites being launched, with research satellites forming a crucial category dedicated to expanding scientific knowledge rather than purely military or political objectives.

### Launch Details

The satellite was launched on June 18, 1964, from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1, a facility that became particularly important for launches requiring polar orbits due to California's coastal location. The Thor-Agena D rocket served as the launch vehicle, representing a proven combination that had successfully deployed numerous satellites during this era. The Thor-Agena series was developed by combining the Thor missile (derived from the SM-75 Atlas) with the Agena upper stage, creating a reliable and versatile launch vehicle capable of placing various payloads into low Earth orbit.

### Technical Classification

P35-9 falls under the category of research satellites—artificial satellites specifically engineered for scientific research purposes. This classification encompasses a wide range of missions designed to observe Earth, study atmospheric phenomena, monitor space conditions, or conduct experiments in the space environment. Research satellites from this period typically carried specialized instrumentation to measure various parameters that could not be accurately assessed from ground-based observations alone, making them invaluable for scientific advancement.

### Associated Infrastructure

The Thor-Agena D launch vehicle represents a significant piece of American launch infrastructure from the 1960s. This launch vehicle was utilized for numerous missions, including those for NASA, the U.S. Air Force, and other government agencies. The Thor-Agena combination proved to be reliable and cost-effective, contributing to its widespread use throughout the decade. Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1, the launch site for P35-9, has historically served as a critical facility for polar orbit launches, offering strategic advantages for certain types of orbital missions that could not be efficiently launched from Cape Canaveral.

### Documentation and Identification

The satellite carries multiple identification codes for tracking and documentation purposes. Its COSPAR designation (1964-031B) provides the international space community with a standardized method for cataloging objects launched into orbit. The serial number 00813 represents another identifier used in tracking the satellite's history and mission details. The presence of a Polish Wikipedia article (indicated by the "pl" language designation) suggests that the satellite has been documented in international sources, though the sitelink count of 1 indicates limited cross-referencing across Wikimedia projects.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report