# Transit 5B-4
**Wikidata**: [Q9361191](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q9361191)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/transit-5b-4

## Summary
Transit 5B-4 is a geodetic satellite launched by the United States on October 6, 1964. It is an artificial satellite designed for the research and application of geodesy, launched into orbit using a Thor-Ablestar expendable launch system.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Geodetic satellite (artificial satellite used for geodesy research)
- **Launch Date:** October 6, 1964
- **Launch Vehicle:** Thor-Ablestar (American expendable launch system)
- **Launch Site:** Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 00897
- **COSPAR ID:** 1964-063B
- **Instance Of:** Artificial satellite
- **Significant Event:** Rocket launch from Vandenberg on 1964-10-06

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary purpose of Transit 5B-4?
A: Transit 5B-4 is a geodetic satellite used for the research and application of geodesy. It serves as an artificial platform in space to assist in the scientific measurement and representation of the Earth.

### Q: When and where was Transit 5B-4 launched?
A: The satellite was launched on October 6, 1964. The launch took place at the Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2 in the United States.

### Q: Which rocket was used to deploy Transit 5B-4?
A: Transit 5B-4 was deployed using the Thor-Ablestar launch vehicle. The Thor-Ablestar is an American expendable launch system used for various satellite missions.

## Why It Matters
Transit 5B-4 is a representative of the geodetic satellite class, which plays a vital role in the scientific study of the Earth's geometric shape, orientation in space, and gravity field. By functioning as an artificial satellite dedicated to geodesy, it contributed to a specialized field of research that requires precise orbital data to measure terrestrial properties. Its launch in 1964 marks it as part of the early era of satellite-based Earth science, utilizing the Thor-Ablestar expendable launch system to reach its destination.

The satellite is significant for its contribution to the infrastructure of orbital research, identified globally by its Satellite Catalog Number 00897 and COSPAR ID 1964-063B. While many satellites focus on communication or imaging, geodetic satellites like Transit 5B-4 are essential for the application of geodesy, providing the data necessary for accurate mapping and understanding the physical characteristics of the planet. Its successful deployment from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2 highlights the historical importance of that facility in establishing the United States' geodetic research capabilities during the mid-20th century.

## Notable For
- **Scientific Classification:** Specifically categorized as a geodetic satellite for Earth research and application.
- **Launch System:** Utilized the Thor-Ablestar, a notable American expendable launch vehicle.
- **Historical Context:** Launched during the mid-1960s (October 1964) from the Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2.
- **Unique Identifiers:** Tracked under the Satellite Catalog Number 00897 and COSPAR ID 1964-063B.

## Body
### Mission and Classification
Transit 5B-4 is an artificial satellite that belongs to the class of geodetic satellites. These specialized spacecraft are utilized for the research and application of geodesy, which is the science of accurately measuring and understanding the Earth's physical properties, including its shape and gravitational field.

### Launch and Deployment
The satellite was launched on October 6, 1964. The mission was executed from the Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2, a major American spaceport. The launch vehicle used for this mission was the Thor-Ablestar, an expendable launch system developed by the United States.

### Technical Identification
Transit 5B-4 is documented in various space catalogs and knowledge bases with the following technical identifiers:
- **SCN:** 00897
- **COSPAR ID:** 1964-063B
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID:** /g/122dyhj6

The satellite's launch is recorded as its most significant historical event, occurring at a specific point in time (1964-10-06) and location (Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2). While it has a limited presence in global Wikipedia languages, it is documented in the Polish (pl) edition.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report