# SECOR 3

> American military geodetic satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q9326068](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q9326068)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/secor-3

## Summary
SECOR 3 was an American military geodetic satellite launched on March 9, 1965, as part of the SECOR (Sequential Collation of Range) program. It was designed to support precise geodetic measurements and was operated by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. The satellite weighed approximately 17.6 kilograms and was launched into low Earth orbit aboard a Thor-Agena D rocket.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: March 9, 1965, at 18:29:47 UTC from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2 West.
- **Mass**: 17.6 kilograms.
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Thor-Agena D.
- **Operator**: United States Army Corps of Engineers.
- **Sponsor**: United States Army.
- **Manufacturer**: Cubic Corporation.
- **COSPAR ID**: 1965-016E.
- **Aliases**: Sequential Collation of Range 3, EGRS 3.
- **Part of**: SECOR program.
- **Country of Origin**: United States.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of SECOR 3?
A: SECOR 3 was a military geodetic satellite designed to support precise geodetic measurements, aiding in navigation and positioning systems.

### Q: Who operated SECOR 3?
A: SECOR 3 was operated by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, sponsored by the United States Army.

### Q: What was the launch vehicle for SECOR 3?
A: SECOR 3 was launched aboard a Thor-Agena D rocket from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2 West on March 9, 1965.

### Q: What was the mass of SECOR 3?
A: SECOR 3 had a mass of approximately 17.6 kilograms.

### Q: What is the COSPAR ID for SECOR 3?
A: The COSPAR ID for SECOR 3 is 1965-016E.

## Why It Matters
SECOR 3 was part of the SECOR program, which aimed to develop a global satellite-based navigation system. Geodetic satellites like SECOR 3 played a crucial role in providing precise positioning data for military and scientific applications. The program contributed to advancements in geodesy and supported the development of early satellite navigation technologies. SECOR 3's successful launch and operation demonstrated the feasibility of using satellites for geodetic measurements, paving the way for future navigation systems.

## Notable For
- **Military Geodesy**: SECOR 3 was one of the first satellites dedicated to military geodetic research.
- **Low Mass Design**: Weighing only 17.6 kilograms, it was optimized for its mission.
- **Thor-Agena D Launch**: The satellite was launched using the Thor-Agena D rocket, a reliable launch vehicle for early military satellites.
- **Precise Positioning**: SECOR 3 supported high-accuracy geodetic measurements, crucial for military navigation.
- **Part of SECOR Program**: SECOR 3 was a key component of the broader SECOR initiative, which aimed to create a global navigation system.

## Body
### Overview
SECOR 3 was an American military geodetic satellite launched as part of the SECOR program. The SECOR program was initiated to develop a global satellite-based navigation system, and SECOR 3 played a role in this effort by providing precise geodetic measurements.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: SECOR 3 had a mass of 17.6 kilograms.
- **Orbit**: The satellite was placed in a low Earth orbit.
- **Launch Vehicle**: The satellite was launched aboard a Thor-Agena D rocket.
- **Manufacturer**: Cubic Corporation was responsible for the satellite's construction.

### Launch Details
- **Launch Date**: March 9, 1965, at 18:29:47 UTC.
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2 West.
- **COSPAR ID**: 1965-016E.

### Operational Details
- **Operator**: The United States Army Corps of Engineers operated SECOR 3.
- **Sponsor**: The United States Army sponsored the satellite.
- **Aliases**: SECOR 3 was also known as Sequential Collation of Range 3 and EGRS 3.

### Significance
SECOR 3 was significant for its role in military geodesy and its contribution to the development of satellite-based navigation systems. The satellite's successful operation demonstrated the feasibility of using satellites for precise positioning, which was crucial for military applications. SECOR 3 was part of a broader initiative to create a global navigation system, laying the groundwork for future advancements in satellite technology.

## References

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