# SURCAL 1A
**Wikidata**: [Q9332386](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q9332386)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/surcal-1a

## Summary
SURCAL 1A was a technology demonstration spacecraft launched on December 13, 1962. Its primary purpose was to demonstrate experimental technologies in space.

## Key Facts
*   **Launch Date:** December 13, 1962
*   **Classification:** Technology demonstration spacecraft
*   **Launch Vehicle:** Thor-Agena D
*   **Launch Site:** Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2
*   **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number):** 00508
*   **COSPAR ID:** 1962-067D
*   **Harvard Designation:** 1962 Beta Tau 4

## FAQs
### Q: What is SURCAL 1A?
A: SURCAL 1A was a spacecraft launched in 1962, classified as a technology demonstration spacecraft. Its mission involved demonstrating experimental technologies in an orbital environment.

### Q: When was SURCAL 1A launched?
A: SURCAL 1A was launched on December 13, 1962.

### Q: What rocket launched SURCAL 1A?
A: SURCAL 1A was launched using a Thor-Agena D orbital launch vehicle.

### Q: Where was SURCAL 1A launched from?
A: The launch of SURCAL 1A took place from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2.

## Why It Matters
Technology demonstration spacecraft like SURCAL 1A play a crucial role in advancing space exploration and related fields. They serve as testbeds for experimental technologies, allowing engineers and scientists to evaluate new systems, components, and methodologies in the harsh environment of space before integrating them into more complex or critical missions. This process mitigates risks, reduces costs for future endeavors, and ensures the reliability and functionality of innovations. By proving the viability of novel technologies, these missions pave the way for breakthroughs in areas such as communication, navigation, Earth observation, and deep-space exploration, ultimately expanding humanity's capabilities in space. SURCAL 1A contributed to this foundational work by demonstrating technologies pertinent to its era.

## Notable For
*   Being classified as a technology demonstration spacecraft.
*   Its launch on December 13, 1962, from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2.
*   Utilizing the Thor-Agena D launch vehicle.

## Body

### Overview
SURCAL 1A was a spacecraft designed for technology demonstration. It was launched in 1962 as part of efforts to test experimental technologies in an orbital environment.

### Identification
*   **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number):** 00508
*   **COSPAR ID:** 1962-067D
*   **Harvard Designation:** 1962 Beta Tau 4

### Launch Details
*   **Launch Date:** December 13, 1962
*   **Launch Vehicle:** Thor-Agena D, an American orbital launch vehicle.
*   **Launch Site:** Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2.

### Classification
SURCAL 1A is categorized as a technology demonstration spacecraft, meaning it was used to demonstrate experimental technologies.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraftDisplay.do?id=1962-067D)