Status
Success
Syncom 1
Launch Time
Thu Feb 14, 1963 05:35 UTC
Thu Feb 14, 1963 05:35 UTC
Rocket
Mission Details
Syncom 1
Syncom 1 was intended to be the first geosynchronous communications satellite. It was lost on the way to geosynchronous orbit due to an electronics failure. Seconds after the apogee kick motor for circularizing the orbit was fired, the spacecraft fell silent. Later telescopic observations verified the satellite was in an orbit with a period of almost 24 hours at a 33° inclination.
Payloads: 1
Geostationary Transfer Orbit
Location
SLC-17B, Cape Canaveral SFS, Florida, USA
Stats
1963
5th orbital launch attempt
Delta B
2nd mission
1st mission of 1963
2nd successful mission