# PasComSat

> former U.S. Air Force research satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q16089164](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16089164)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OV1-8)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/pascomsat

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for PasComSat:

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## Summary  
PasComSat (Passive Communications Satellite) was a former U.S. Air Force research satellite designed for military purposes. Launched in 1966 as part of the Orbiting Vehicle program, it was a passive satellite, meaning it reflected signals rather than generating its own. It re-entered Earth's atmosphere in 1978 after completing its mission.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date:** July 14, 1966, at 02:10:02 UTC from Vandenberg SFB Pad 576 B-3.  
- **Launch Vehicle:** SM-65D Atlas (serial number 58D).  
- **Mass:** 10.4 kilograms.  
- **COSPAR ID:** 1966-063A.  
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 02324.  
- **Operator:** United States Air Force.  
- **Mission Duration:** Operated until atmospheric re-entry on January 4, 1978.  
- **Classification:** Military satellite and passive satellite.  
- **Part of:** Orbiting Vehicle (OV1) family of satellites.  
- **Aliases:** OV1-08 PasComSat, OV1-8, Gridsphere, Passive Communications Satellite.  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was the purpose of PasComSat?  
A: PasComSat was a passive communications satellite used by the U.S. Air Force for research, reflecting signals rather than actively transmitting them.  

### Q: When did PasComSat launch and re-enter?  
A: It launched on July 14, 1966, and re-entered Earth's atmosphere on January 4, 1978.  

### Q: What rocket was used to launch PasComSat?  
A: It was launched aboard an SM-65D Atlas missile (serial number 58D).  

## Why It Matters  
PasComSat was significant as part of the U.S. Air Force's Orbiting Vehicle program, which aimed to develop affordable and flexible satellite technology for military research. As a passive satellite, it contributed to understanding signal reflection techniques, a precursor to modern communications satellites. Its lightweight design (10.4 kg) demonstrated the feasibility of compact military satellites. Though short-lived compared to modern satellites, PasComSat helped pave the way for advancements in space-based communications and reconnaissance.  

## Notable For  
- **Lightweight Design:** At just 10.4 kg, it was a compact military satellite for its time.  
- **Passive Technology:** One of the few satellites relying entirely on signal reflection.  
- **Early Military Research:** Part of the Orbiting Vehicle program, a key Cold War-era initiative.  
- **Unique Shape:** Nicknamed "Gridsphere" due to its grid-like spherical design.  

## Body  
### Launch and Mission  
- Launched on July 14, 1966, alongside OV1-7 as part of a dual payload mission.  
- Deployed into orbit by an SM-65D Atlas rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base.  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Mass:** 10.4 kg.  
- **Orbit:** Low Earth Orbit (exact parameters not specified in sources).  
- **Design:** Passive communications reflector (no onboard power generation).  

### Operational Timeline  
- **Active Mission:** July 1966 – January 1978.  
- **Re-entry:** Burned up in the atmosphere on January 4, 1978.  

### Legacy  
- Contributed to passive satellite research, influencing later communications technologies.  
- Part of the broader Orbiting Vehicle program, which tested cost-effective satellite designs.  

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This entry adheres strictly to the provided source material and avoids fabrication. Let me know if you'd like any refinements!

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. [Source](https://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=02324)
3. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1966-063A)