# Solrad 1

> U.S. solar X-ray and surveillance satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q9339405](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q9339405)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SOLRAD_1)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/solrad-1

## Summary
Solrad 1 was a U.S. military satellite designed for solar X-ray observation and surveillance, launched in 1960 as part of the Galactic Radiation and Background program.

## Key Facts
- It was a military satellite operated by the United States
- Launched on June 22, 1960 from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17
- Weighed 18 kilograms at launch
- Used a Thor-Ablestar launch vehicle
- Had a perigee of 583 kilometers and apogee of 896 kilometers
- Operated in an orbit with an inclination of 66.69 degrees and orbital period of 99.61 minutes
- Its COSPAR ID was 1960-007B
- It was part of the Galactic Radiation and Background program

## FAQs
### Q: What was Solrad 1 used for?
A: It was a U.S. military satellite designed for solar X-ray observation and surveillance as part of the Galactic Radiation and Background program.

### Q: When was Solrad 1 launched?
A: It was launched on June 22, 1960 from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17.

### Q: What were its orbital characteristics?
A: It had a perigee of 583 kilometers, apogee of 896 kilometers, orbital inclination of 66.69 degrees, and orbital period of 99.61 minutes.

### Q: What was its mass at launch?
A: It weighed 18 kilograms at launch.

## Why It Matters
Solrad 1 represented an early U.S. effort in space-based solar observation and surveillance technology, contributing to the development of space-based monitoring capabilities that would influence subsequent military and scientific satellite programs. As part of the Galactic Radiation and Background program, it helped establish the United States' capability to monitor solar phenomena from orbit, which was critical for understanding space weather and its effects on both military operations and civilian infrastructure. The satellite's design and deployment demonstrated the feasibility of combining scientific research with military surveillance objectives, setting a precedent for multi-purpose space missions that would become increasingly common in subsequent decades.

## Notable For
- It was the first U.S. satellite dedicated to solar X-ray observation
- Part of the Galactic Radiation and Background program, the first U.S. orbital surveillance initiative
- Used a Thor-Ablestar launch vehicle, an American expendable launch system
- Operated in a relatively low Earth orbit with specific orbital parameters
- Had a COSPAR designation of 1960-007B, identifying it as a specific satellite mission

## Body
### Technical Specifications
Solrad 1 had a mass of 18 kilograms at launch, as documented in the source materials. The satellite was designed for solar X-ray observation and surveillance purposes, operating in a low Earth orbit with specific orbital characteristics. Its orbital parameters included a perigee (closest approach to Earth) of 583 kilometers and an apogee (farthest distance from Earth) of 896 kilometers, resulting in an orbital period of approximately 99.61 minutes. The orbital inclination was 66.69 degrees, placing it in a polar or near-polar orbit that would provide comprehensive coverage of the Earth and space environment.

### Launch and Deployment
The satellite was launched on June 22, 1960 from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17 using a Thor-Ablestar launch vehicle. This was an American expendable launch system that was commonly used for early satellite missions. The launch marked the beginning of the Galactic Radiation and Background program, which was the first U.S. orbital surveillance initiative.

### Program Context
Solrad 1 was part of the broader Galactic Radiation and Background program, which represented an early U.S. effort in space-based surveillance and scientific research. This program aimed to monitor both solar radiation and Earth's background radiation from orbital positions. The satellite's mission was classified as a military satellite, indicating its dual purpose of scientific observation and national security surveillance.

### Operational Parameters
The satellite operated in a relatively low Earth orbit that provided frequent passes over different regions of the globe. Its orbital period of approximately 100 minutes meant it completed about 14-15 orbits per day, allowing for continuous monitoring capabilities. The orbital inclination of 66.69 degrees ensured it could observe both polar and equatorial regions, providing comprehensive coverage of the Earth's space environment.

### Legacy and Impact
While specific operational details of Solrad 1's mission duration are not provided in the source materials, the satellite's deployment represented an important milestone in U.S. space program development. It demonstrated the feasibility of combining scientific research with military surveillance objectives, a model that would influence subsequent satellite programs. The data collected by Solrad 1 contributed to the growing understanding of solar phenomena and their effects on Earth's space environment, which remains critical for modern space operations and national security.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report