# Vela 1A

> nuclear detonation detector

**Wikidata**: [Q9368342](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q9368342)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vela_1A)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/vela-1a

## Summary
Vela 1A was a reconnaissance satellite designed specifically to function as a nuclear detonation detector. Launched on October 17, 1963, it was deployed into orbit using an Atlas-Agena D rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 13.

## Key Facts
- **Primary Function:** Nuclear detonation detector
- **Classification:** Reconnaissance satellite (a satellite that covertly collects data for intelligence or military applications)
- **Launch Date:** October 17, 1963
- **Launch Vehicle:** Atlas-Agena D
- **Launch Site:** Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 13
- **COSPAR ID:** 1963-039A
- **NSSDCA ID:** 1963-039A
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 00674
- **Significant Event:** Rocket launch on October 17, 1963

## FAQs
### Q: What was Vela 1A?
A: Vela 1A was a reconnaissance satellite utilized as a nuclear detonation detector. It was launched in 1963 to collect data for intelligence or military applications.

### Q: When and how was Vela 1A launched?
A: Vela 1A launched on October 17, 1963, aboard an Atlas-Agena D expendable launch system. It lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 13.

### Q: What type of satellite is Vela 1A classified as?
A: It is classified as a reconnaissance satellite. This class of satellite is defined by its ability to covertly collect data for intelligence or military purposes.

## Why It Matters
Vela 1A represents a critical component of early space-based intelligence gathering. As a nuclear detonation detector, its primary significance lies in its role in monitoring adherence to nuclear test bans and verifying nuclear activities globally. By utilizing the vantage point of space, this satellite allowed for the covert collection of data essential for national security and intelligence applications, overcoming the geographical limitations of ground-based sensors.

Launched in 1963, Vela 1A contributed to the development of reconnaissance technologies during a pivotal era of the Cold War. Its deployment via the Atlas-Agena D system marked a successful integration of specialized detection hardware onto a reliable launch platform. As the inaugural unit (indicated by the "1A" designation) in its series, it helped establish the technical and operational foundations for subsequent generations of nuclear monitoring systems.

## Notable For
- **Specialized Detection:** Specifically designed as a nuclear detonation detector rather than a general-imaging satellite.
- **Intelligence Role:** Functioned as a reconnaissance satellite for covert data collection.
- **Launch Configuration:** Deployed using the Atlas-Agena D expendable launch system.
- **Historical Context:** Launched in mid-October 1963, a significant period for early space reconnaissance.

## Body
### Mission Profile and Designation
Vela 1A is identified by the international designator **1963-039A** (COSPAR ID) and the National Space Science Data Center ID **1963-039A**. In satellite cataloging systems, it holds the SatCat number **00674**. The entity is defined in Wolfram Language as `Entity["Satellite", "00674"]`.

### Technical Classification
The satellite is an **instance of a reconnaissance satellite**. According to knowledge base definitions, this class of spacecraft is engineered to covertly collect data for intelligence or military applications. specifically, Vela 1A served as a **nuclear detonation detector**, distinct from other reconnaissance roles such as optical imaging or signals intelligence.

### Launch and Deployment
The deployment of Vela 1A was a significant event marked by the following parameters:
- **Point in Time:** 1963-10-17
- **Start Point:** Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 13
- **Launch Vehicle:** Atlas-Agena D

The **Atlas-Agena D** is categorized as an expendable launch system. This launch was a "rocket launch" event originating from the specific Complex 13 at Cape Canaveral.

### Identifiers and Data
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID:** /g/121kq6w2
- **Wikipedia Title:** Vela 1A
- **Commons Category:** Vela 1A
- **Available Languages:** English (en), Polish (pl), Commons

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report