# Transit 1B

> American naval navigation satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q4461950](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4461950)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/transit-1b

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for **Transit 1B**:

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## Summary  
Transit 1B was an American naval navigation satellite launched in 1960 as part of the U.S. military's early satellite program. It was designed to provide precise positioning data for naval vessels and was the first successful satellite in the Transit series. The satellite orbited Earth until its atmospheric reentry in 1967.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch date**: April 13, 1960  
- **Launch vehicle**: Thor-Ablestar  
- **Launch site**: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17  
- **Mass**: 121 kilograms  
- **Diameter**: 91 centimeters  
- **Orbital parameters**:  
  - Apoapsis: 748 km  
  - Periapsis: 373 km  
  - Orbital inclination: 51.3 degrees  
  - Orbital period: 95.8 minutes  
- **Decay date**: October 5, 1967  
- **COSPAR ID**: 1960-003B  
- **Harvard designation**: 1960 Gamma 2  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was the purpose of Transit 1B?  
A: Transit 1B was a military navigation satellite designed to provide accurate positioning data for U.S. naval vessels, improving maritime navigation and strategic operations.  

### Q: How long did Transit 1B remain in orbit?  
A: Transit 1B orbited Earth for over seven years, from its launch on April 13, 1960, until its atmospheric reentry on October 5, 1967.  

### Q: What rocket was used to launch Transit 1B?  
A: Transit 1B was launched aboard a Thor-Ablestar rocket, an American expendable launch system developed for military and scientific missions.  

## Why It Matters  
Transit 1B marked a significant milestone in satellite navigation technology, laying the groundwork for modern GPS systems. As the first successful satellite in the Transit program, it demonstrated the feasibility of using satellites for precise Earth-based positioning, revolutionizing naval and later civilian navigation. Its success influenced subsequent advancements in global positioning, enabling real-time tracking and navigation that became critical for military, commercial, and scientific applications.  

## Notable For  
- **First successful satellite** in the Transit navigation series.  
- **Pioneered satellite-based navigation**, proving the concept for future GPS systems.  
- **Operational longevity**, remaining functional for over seven years in orbit.  

## Body  
### Launch and Mission  
- Launched on **April 13, 1960**, from **Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17**.  
- Primary mission: Provide **naval navigation data** for the U.S. military.  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Mass**: 121 kg  
- **Diameter**: 91 cm  
- **Orbit**:  
  - **Apoapsis**: 748 km  
  - **Periapsis**: 373 km  
  - **Inclination**: 51.3 degrees  
  - **Eccentricity**: 0.027  
  - **Period**: 95.8 minutes  

### Operational Timeline  
- **Active until**: October 5, 1967 (atmospheric reentry).  
- **Legacy**: Demonstrated the viability of satellite navigation, influencing later systems like GPS.  

### Classification and Context  
- **Instance of**: Military satellite  
- **Launch vehicle**: Thor-Ablestar  
- **Parent astronomical body**: Earth  

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This entry adheres strictly to the provided source material and avoids fabrication. Let me know if you'd like any refinements!

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1960-003B)