# SURCAL 1B
**Wikidata**: [Q11835622](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q11835622)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/surcal-1b

## Summary  
SURCAL 1B is a technology demonstration spacecraft launched by the United States on June 15, 1963. It was designed to test and validate experimental space technologies. The satellite was launched from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2 using a Thor-Agena D rocket.

## Key Facts  
- Launched on **June 15, 1963**  
- Launched from **Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2**  
- Launch vehicle: **Thor-Agena D**  
- COSPAR ID: **1963-021F**  
- SCN (Spacecraft Number): **00597**  
- Instance of: **technology demonstration spacecraft**  
- Significant event: **rocket launch**, occurred on **1963-06-15** at **Vandenberg SLC-2**  
- Wikipedia language coverage: **Polish (pl)**  
- Wolfram Language Entity Code: **Entity["Satellite", "00597"]**

## FAQs  
### Q: What was the purpose of SURCAL 1B?  
A: SURCAL 1B was a technology demonstration spacecraft intended to test experimental technologies in space. Its mission focused on advancing capabilities relevant to future U.S. space programs.

### Q: When was SURCAL 1B launched?  
A: SURCAL 1B was launched on **June 15, 1963**, from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2.

### Q: What rocket was used to launch SURCAL 1B?  
A: The spacecraft was launched using a **Thor-Agena D** orbital launch vehicle, a commonly used American launcher during the early 1960s.

## Why It Matters  
SURCAL 1B represents an early example of dedicated technology demonstration missions in the U.S. space program. These types of missions are crucial for validating new systems and techniques before they are incorporated into operational spacecraft. As part of the broader SURCAL program, SURCAL 1B contributed to the development of reliable space technologies during a period of rapid advancement in aerospace engineering. Its successful launch demonstrated the viability of using standardized platforms like the Thor-Agena D for diverse mission profiles, supporting both scientific and military objectives.

## Notable For  
- One of the earliest dedicated **technology demonstration satellites** in the U.S. space program  
- Launched aboard the proven **Thor-Agena D** launch system  
- Assigned SCN identifier **00597**, tracked in major space databases  
- Part of the **SURCAL program**, which supported classified and experimental payloads  

## Body  

### Mission Overview  
SURCAL 1B was a technology demonstration spacecraft developed and operated by the United States. Its primary objective was to evaluate and demonstrate emerging space technologies under real flight conditions. This approach allowed engineers and scientists to gather performance data critical for refining designs used in later missions.

### Launch Details  
The spacecraft was successfully launched on **June 15, 1963**, at approximately 14:16 UTC. The launch took place from **Space Launch Complex 2** at the **Vandenberg Air Force Base** in California. The mission utilized the **Thor-Agena D** two-stage launch vehicle, a reliable booster widely employed during the 1960s for placing small to medium-sized payloads into low Earth orbit.

### Technical Classification  
SURCAL 1B is categorized as a **technology demonstration spacecraft**, indicating its role was primarily experimental rather than operational. Such spacecraft often serve as precursors to more advanced missions by testing subsystems such as attitude control, communications, power generation, or materials behavior in orbit.

### Identifiers and References  
The spacecraft has been assigned several standard identifiers used in space tracking and cataloging:
- **COSPAR ID**: 1963-021F  
- **SCN (Spacecraft Number)**: 00597  
These identifiers allow unambiguous referencing across international space object catalogs and databases including NASA's NSSDC and the Union of Concerned Scientists satellite database.

### Historical Context  
Launched during the height of the Cold War and the Space Race, SURCAL 1B reflects the strategic importance placed on technological superiority in space. Missions like this were instrumental in accelerating advancements in satellite technology, many of which laid the groundwork for future reconnaissance, communication, and navigation systems.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report