# Poppy 1A

> American spy satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q9174128](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q9174128)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/poppy-1a

## Summary
Poppy 1A is an American spy satellite launched on December 13, 1962, from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2 using a Thor-Agena D launch vehicle. As a reconnaissance satellite, it was designed to covertly collect data for intelligence or military purposes.

## Key Facts
- Instance of reconnaissance satellite
- Serial number (scn): 00502
- COSPAR ID: 1962-067A
- Launch date: December 13, 1962
- Launch location: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2
- Launch vehicle: Thor-Agena D
- Significant event: Rocket launch (December 13, 1962)
- Google Knowledge Graph ID: /g/12z65bdfs
- Wikipedia content available in Polish language

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Poppy 1A?
A: Poppy 1A was an American spy satellite designed to covertly collect data for intelligence or military applications. As a reconnaissance satellite, it served the strategic purpose of gathering information from space.

### Q: When and where was Poppy 1A launched?
A: Poppy 1A was launched on December 13, 1962, from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2. The satellite was deployed using a Thor-Agena D launch vehicle.

### Q: What is the technical classification of Poppy 1A?
A: Poppy 1A is classified as a reconnaissance satellite, a type of satellite that covertly collects data for intelligence or military purposes. It belongs to the broader category of American spy satellites.

## Why It Matters
Poppy 1A represents a significant advancement in early space-based reconnaissance capabilities during the Cold War era. As one of America's first spy satellites, it marked an important milestone in the evolution of satellite technology for intelligence gathering. The successful deployment of Poppy 1A demonstrated the feasibility of using space-based platforms for covert surveillance, fundamentally changing how military and intelligence agencies collected information about potential adversaries. This satellite contributed to the development of more sophisticated reconnaissance systems that would follow, establishing a precedent for satellite-based intelligence operations.

## Notable For
- Being one of the early American spy satellites in the reconnaissance satellite program
- Using the Thor-Agena D launch vehicle, which had only 2 sitelinks indicating its specialized use
- Having a distinctive serial number (00502) in the satellite identification system
- Being launched from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2, a key site for military satellite launches

## Body
### Overview
Poppy 1A is an American spy satellite that was launched into orbit on December 13, 1962. As a reconnaissance satellite, it was designed to covertly collect data for intelligence or military applications. The satellite was part of early American efforts to develop space-based surveillance capabilities during the Cold War.

### Technical Specifications
- Serial number (scn): 00502
- COSPAR ID: 1962-067A
- Instance of: reconnaissance satellite
- Launch date: December 13, 1962
- Start point: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2
- Launch vehicle: Thor-Agena D
- Sitelink count: 1

### Launch Details
Poppy 1A was launched from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2, a key site for military satellite launches. The launch utilized a Thor-Agena D orbital launch vehicle, which was specifically designed for satellite deployment missions. The launch occurred on December 13, 1962, marking a significant milestone in the development of American reconnaissance satellite capabilities.

### Classification
Poppy 1A is classified as a reconnaissance satellite, a category of satellites that covertly collects data for intelligence or military purposes. This classification places it among specialized satellites designed for strategic information gathering rather than civilian or scientific applications.

### Identifiers and References
- Google Knowledge Graph ID: /g/12z65bdfs
- Wikipedia content available in Polish language
- Referenced in technical databases with specific launch parameters
- Associated with the broader Poppy program of reconnaissance satellites

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report