# Solrad 4

> US navy surveillance satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q60769986](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q60769986)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SOLRAD_4)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/solrad-4

## Summary
Solrad 4 was a US Navy surveillance satellite launched on January 24, 1962. It was an instance of the Solrad class, a series of American satellites. Its launch was carried out using a Thor-Ablestar expendable launch system.

## Key Facts
- Solrad 4 was a US Navy surveillance satellite.
- It was launched on January 24, 1962.
- The launch vehicle used for Solrad 4 was the Thor-Ablestar.
- Solrad 4 is an instance of the Solrad class of satellites.
- The Solrad class is a series of American satellites.

## FAQs
### Q: What was Solrad 4?
A: Solrad 4 was a surveillance satellite operated by the US Navy. It was designed to perform observation tasks from space.

### Q: When was Solrad 4 launched?
A: Solrad 4 was launched on January 24, 1962. This event marked its deployment into orbit.

### Q: What launch vehicle was used for Solrad 4?
A: Solrad 4 was launched using a Thor-Ablestar, an American expendable launch system. This vehicle was responsible for carrying the satellite into space.

## Why It Matters
Solrad 4 holds significance as a US Navy surveillance satellite, contributing to the early development of space-based observation capabilities. Its launch on January 24, 1962, placed it among the pioneering efforts in utilizing satellites for strategic purposes during a critical period. As an instance of the Solrad class, it was part of a broader series of American satellites, indicating a sustained and programmatic approach by the United States to establish and refine its space surveillance infrastructure. The deployment of such satellites was crucial for gathering intelligence and monitoring activities from orbit, a capability that became increasingly vital for national security. Solrad 4's role as a surveillance platform underscored the growing importance of space as a domain for intelligence gathering, laying groundwork for future advancements in satellite technology and space-based reconnaissance. Its existence highlights the early commitment to leveraging space for military and intelligence advantages.

## Notable For
- Being a US Navy surveillance satellite.
- Its launch on January 24, 1962, during the early era of space exploration.
- Being an instance of the Solrad class, a series of American satellites.
- Utilizing the Thor-Ablestar, an American expendable launch system, for its deployment.

## Body
### Overview
Solrad 4 was identified as a US Navy surveillance satellite. It was part of the Solrad class, a series of American satellites developed for specific observation missions.

### Launch Details
Solrad 4 was launched on January 24, 1962.
The launch vehicle employed for its deployment was the Thor-Ablestar.
The Thor-Ablestar is an American expendable launch system.

### Classification and Related Entities
Solrad 4 is classified as an instance of the Solrad class.
The Solrad class encompasses a series of American satellites.
The Thor-Ablestar is also a class of American expendable launch systems.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report