# SECOR 13

> American military geodetic satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q16320617](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16320617)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/secor-13

## Summary
SECOR 13 is an American military geodetic satellite launched on April 14, 1969, as part of the SECOR (Sequential Collation of Range) program. It was designed to support geodetic research and military applications by providing precise positioning data from low Earth orbit.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: April 14, 1969, at 07:54:03 UTC from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2 East.
- **Mass**: 17.6 kilograms.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Thorad-Agena D (flight number 543/FTV 6222).
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit.
- **Manufacturer**: Cubic Corporation.
- **Sponsor**: United States Army.
- **Operator**: United States Army Corps of Engineers.
- **COSPAR ID**: 1969-037B.
- **Aliases**: Sequential Collation of Range 13, EGRS 13, S69-2.
- **Classification**: Military satellite and geodetic satellite.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of SECOR 13?
A: SECOR 13 was part of the SECOR program, which aimed to provide precise positioning data for military and geodetic applications by transmitting signals from satellites to ground stations.

### Q: Who launched SECOR 13?
A: SECOR 13 was launched by the United States Army Corps of Engineers using a Thorad-Agena D rocket from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2 East.

### Q: What was the mass of SECOR 13?
A: The satellite had a mass of 17.6 kilograms.

### Q: What type of orbit did SECOR 13 operate in?
A: SECOR 13 operated in a low Earth orbit.

### Q: What was the significance of the SECOR program?
A: The SECOR program was significant for its role in military geodesy, providing precise positioning data for navigation and mapping purposes.

## Why It Matters
SECOR 13 was part of the SECOR program, which played a crucial role in military geodesy by enabling precise positioning data for navigation and mapping. The satellite's ability to transmit signals from low Earth orbit allowed ground stations to determine their exact locations, supporting military operations and geodetic research. The program demonstrated the feasibility of using satellite-based systems for positioning, laying the groundwork for future military and civilian navigation technologies. SECOR 13's successful launch and operation contributed to the broader field of space-based geodesy, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of positioning data for both military and scientific applications.

## Notable For
- **First of its kind**: SECOR 13 was one of the first military geodetic satellites, pioneering the use of satellite signals for precise positioning.
- **Military application**: It supported critical military operations by providing accurate positioning data.
- **Geodetic research**: The satellite contributed to geodetic research by enabling precise measurements from space.
- **Low Earth orbit**: Its operation in low Earth orbit made it accessible for military and scientific use.
- **Thorad-Agena D launch**: The satellite's launch on a Thorad-Agena D rocket demonstrated the reliability of this launch vehicle for military missions.

## Body
### Overview
SECOR 13 was an American military geodetic satellite launched on April 14, 1969, as part of the SECOR program. The satellite was designed to support geodetic research and military applications by transmitting signals from low Earth orbit to ground stations.

### Launch Details
- **Launch Date**: April 14, 1969, at 07:54:03 UTC.
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2 East.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Thorad-Agena D (flight number 543/FTV 6222).
- **Mass**: 17.6 kilograms.

### Mission and Operation
- **Purpose**: To provide precise positioning data for military and geodetic applications.
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit.
- **Manufacturer**: Cubic Corporation.
- **Sponsor**: United States Army.
- **Operator**: United States Army Corps of Engineers.
- **COSPAR ID**: 1969-037B.

### Significance
- **Military Geodesy**: SECOR 13 was part of the SECOR program, which played a crucial role in military geodesy by enabling precise positioning data for navigation and mapping.
- **Technological Advancement**: The satellite demonstrated the feasibility of using satellite-based systems for positioning, contributing to the development of future military and civilian navigation technologies.
- **Scientific Contribution**: SECOR 13's operation supported geodetic research by providing accurate measurements from space.

### Legacy
- **Pioneering Role**: SECOR 13 was one of the first military geodetic satellites, laying the groundwork for future space-based positioning systems.
- **Military Applications**: The satellite's precise positioning data supported critical military operations, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of military navigation and mapping.
- **Geodetic Research**: SECOR 13's contributions to geodetic research advanced the field of space-based geodesy, enabling more precise measurements and applications.

## References

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