# SECOR  8
**Wikidata**: [Q110115351](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q110115351)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/secor-8

## Summary
SECOR 8 was a spacecraft launched on October 5, 1966, as part of the SECOR (Sequential Collation of Range) geodetic satellite program. It was launched using an Atlas SLV-3 Agena-D launch vehicle and is identified by the COSPAR ID 1966-089B.

## Key Facts
- Launch date: October 5, 1966
- Launch vehicle: Atlas SLV-3 Agena-D expendable launch system
- COSPAR ID: 1966-089B
- Instance of: spacecraft
- Spacecraft number (SCN): 02520
- Wikipedia sitelinks: 1 (Polish language)
- Classified as: vehicle or machine designed to fly in space

### Q: What was SECOR 8?
A: SECOR 8 was a geodetic satellite launched on October 5, 1966, as part of the Sequential Collation of Range program to measure Earth's shape and gravitational field.

### Q: How was SECOR 8 launched?
A: SECOR 8 was launched using an Atlas SLV-3 Agena-D expendable launch system on October 5, 1966.

### Q: What is the COSPAR ID of SECOR 8?
A: The COSPAR ID of SECOR 8 is 1966-089B, which uniquely identifies this spacecraft in international space tracking databases.

## Why It Matters
SECOR 8 represents an important contribution to Earth geodesy and satellite-based measurement of our planet's physical characteristics. As part of the SECOR program, it helped scientists accurately measure distances between ground stations using radio signals, enabling precise mapping of Earth's shape, gravitational field, and tectonic plate movements. This data was crucial for advancing our understanding of Earth's structure and improving navigation systems. The use of the Atlas SLV-3 Agena-D launch vehicle also demonstrates the reliability of this launch system for scientific missions during the mid-1960s space era.

## Notable For
- Part of the Sequential Collation of Range (SECOR) geodetic satellite program
- Launched during the peak of the space race in 1966
- Utilized the proven Atlas SLV-3 Agena-D launch vehicle
- Contributed to Earth measurement and geodesy research
- Has international recognition through its COSPAR designation

## Body
### Technical Specifications
SECOR 8 was designed as a geodetic satellite with specific mission parameters for Earth measurement. The spacecraft carried equipment to transmit radio signals that ground stations could use to calculate precise distances through triangulation methods.

### Launch Details
The Atlas SLV-3 Agena-D launch vehicle successfully placed SECOR 8 into its intended orbit on October 5, 1966. This launch vehicle combination was a workhorse of the American space program during this era, known for its reliability in delivering payloads to space.

### Mission Classification
As a spacecraft, SECOR 8 falls under the broader category of artificial satellites designed for scientific research. Its specific role in the SECOR program focused on geodetic measurements rather than communications, weather monitoring, or other satellite functions.

### Identification Systems
The spacecraft is cataloged under multiple identification systems: its Spacecraft Number (SCN) 02520 in satellite tracking databases, and COSPAR ID 1966-089B in the international Committee on Space Research registry. These identifiers ensure consistent tracking and documentation across different space agencies and research institutions.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report