# SECOR 1

> American military geodetic satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q9326066](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q9326066)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/secor-1

## Summary
SECOR 1 was an American military geodetic satellite launched on January 11, 1964, as part of the SECOR (Sequential Collation of Range) program. It was designed to support precise geodetic measurements and military applications, operating in low Earth orbit. The satellite had a mass of 17.6 kilograms and was manufactured by Cubic Corporation.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: January 11, 1964, at 20:07 UTC from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1 East.
- **Mass**: 17.6 kilograms.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Thor-Agena D.
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit.
- **Manufacturer**: Cubic Corporation.
- **Sponsor**: United States Army.
- **Operator**: United States Army Corps of Engineers.
- **COSPAR ID**: 1964-001C.
- **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number)**: 00729.
- **Aliases**: Sequential Collation of Range 1, SECOR 1B, EGRS 1.
- **Country of Origin**: United States.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of SECOR 1?
A: SECOR 1 was a military geodetic satellite designed to support precise geodetic measurements and military applications, such as navigation and positioning.

### Q: Who launched SECOR 1?
A: SECOR 1 was launched by the United States Army Corps of Engineers using a Thor-Agena D rocket from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1 East.

### Q: What was the mass of SECOR 1?
A: SECOR 1 had a mass of 17.6 kilograms.

### Q: What was the launch date of SECOR 1?
A: SECOR 1 was launched on January 11, 1964, at 20:07 UTC.

### Q: What was the orbit of SECOR 1?
A: SECOR 1 operated in a low Earth orbit.

## Why It Matters
SECOR 1 was a critical component of the SECOR program, which aimed to provide a global navigation and positioning system for military use. The satellite supported geodetic measurements, which were essential for accurate navigation and positioning in military operations. Its successful deployment contributed to the development of early satellite-based navigation systems, paving the way for more advanced military and civilian applications. SECOR 1's role in the early days of satellite geodesy highlighted the growing importance of space-based technologies in military and scientific research.

## Notable For
- **First of its kind**: SECOR 1 was one of the first military geodetic satellites, laying the groundwork for future satellite navigation systems.
- **Precise measurements**: It provided critical data for geodetic research and military applications.
- **Low mass**: Despite its small size (17.6 kg), it performed essential functions in orbit.
- **Military collaboration**: Sponsored by the United States Army, it demonstrated early military interest in satellite technology.
- **Technological precursor**: Its design influenced later satellite navigation systems, including GPS.

## Body
### Overview
SECOR 1 was an American military geodetic satellite launched as part of the SECOR (Sequential Collation of Range) program. The satellite was designed to support precise geodetic measurements and military applications, operating in low Earth orbit.

### Launch and Deployment
SECOR 1 was launched on January 11, 1964, at 20:07 UTC from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 1 East using a Thor-Agena D rocket. The satellite had a mass of 17.6 kilograms and was manufactured by Cubic Corporation. It was sponsored by the United States Army and operated by the United States Army Corps of Engineers.

### Orbit and Function
SECOR 1 operated in a low Earth orbit. Its primary function was to support geodetic measurements, which were crucial for military navigation and positioning. The satellite's data contributed to the development of early satellite-based navigation systems.

### Significance
SECOR 1 was notable for being one of the first military geodetic satellites, demonstrating the potential of satellite technology in military and scientific applications. Its successful deployment paved the way for more advanced satellite navigation systems, including GPS. The satellite's small size and precise measurements highlighted the importance of space-based technologies in geodetic research.

### Legacy
SECOR 1's role in the early days of satellite geodesy underscores the growing significance of space-based technologies in military and scientific research. Its design and capabilities influenced later satellite navigation systems, making it a foundational element in the evolution of satellite technology.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/secor-1.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report