# Vela 3A

> U.S. reconnaissance satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q14860841](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q14860841)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vela_3A)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/vela-3a

## Summary
Vela 3A was a U.S. reconnaissance satellite launched on July 20, 1965, as part of the Vela program, which monitored nuclear explosions in space. It was launched aboard an Atlas-Agena D rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 13 and operated as an uncrewed robotic spacecraft.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Reconnaissance satellite and robotic spacecraft
- **Launch Date**: July 20, 1965
- **Launch Vehicle**: Atlas-Agena D
- **Launch Site**: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 13
- **COSPAR ID**: 1965-058A
- **NSSDCA ID**: 1965-058A
- **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number)**: 01458
- **Instance Of**: Reconnaissance satellite, robotic spacecraft

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of the Vela 3A satellite?
A: Vela 3A was part of the U.S. Vela program, designed to detect nuclear explosions in space and monitor space-based nuclear test ban treaty compliance.

### Q: Which rocket launched Vela 3A?
A: Vela 3A was launched aboard an Atlas-Agena D rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 13 on July 20, 1965.

### Q: What type of satellite was Vela 3A?
A: Vela 3A was a reconnaissance satellite and a robotic spacecraft, meaning it operated without a crew and was controlled remotely.

### Q: What was the COSPAR ID of Vela 3A?
A: The COSPAR ID for Vela 3A is 1965-058A.

### Q: What was the NSSDCA ID of Vela 3A?
A: The NSSDCA ID for Vela 3A is 1965-058A.

## Why It Matters
Vela 3A was a critical component of the U.S. Vela program, which played a pivotal role in the Cold War-era nuclear test detection and verification. The program aimed to monitor compliance with the Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (1963) and detect Soviet nuclear tests in space. Vela 3A, along with its counterparts, provided early warning of nuclear detonations and contributed to international arms control efforts. Its success demonstrated the U.S. ability to track and verify space-based nuclear activity, reinforcing strategic deterrence and intelligence capabilities.

## Notable For
- **First of its kind**: One of the earliest satellites dedicated to detecting nuclear explosions in space.
- **Cold War significance**: Contributed to the U.S. nuclear monitoring efforts during the Cold War.
- **Robotic operation**: Functioned as an uncrewed reconnaissance satellite, relying on remote control.
- **Atlas-Agena D launch**: Marked the first use of the Atlas-Agena D rocket for this mission.
- **Space-based surveillance**: Provided critical data for verifying compliance with nuclear test ban treaties.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Vela 3A was launched on July 20, 1965, as part of the Vela program, which aimed to detect nuclear explosions in space. The satellite was designed to monitor compliance with the Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (1963) and provide early warning of Soviet nuclear tests.

### Launch Details
- **Launch Vehicle**: Atlas-Agena D
- **Launch Site**: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 13
- **Launch Date**: July 20, 1965

### Identification Numbers
- **COSPAR ID**: 1965-058A
- **NSSDCA ID**: 1965-058A
- **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number)**: 01458

### Classification
- **Instance Of**: Reconnaissance satellite, robotic spacecraft

### Significance
Vela 3A was a key asset in the U.S. nuclear monitoring network, contributing to Cold War-era intelligence and arms control efforts. Its successful operation demonstrated the U.S. ability to track and verify space-based nuclear activity, reinforcing strategic deterrence capabilities.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report