Image: NOAA
Thor Delta | Echo
United States Air Force · Thor Delta · Space Launch Complex 17A, Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA
United States Air Force's 19th launch · 8th this year · humanity's 65th orbital launch attempt
Either the launch vehicle did not reach orbit, or the payload(s) failed to separate.
Window: May 13, 09:16 – May 13, 09:16 UTC
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Echo
The Echo 1 spacecraft was a 30.48 m diameter balloon of mylar polyester film 0.0127 mm thick. The spacecraft was designed as a passive communications reflector for transcontinental and intercontinental telephone (voice), radio, and television signals. It had 107.9 MHz beacon transmitters for telemetry purposes. These transmitters were powered by five nickel-cadmium batteries that were charged by 70 solar cells mounted on the balloon. Because of the large area-to-mass ratio of the spacecraft, data for the calculation of atmospheric density and solar pressure could be acquired. The spacecraft was also used to evaluate the technical feasibility of satellite triangulation during the latter portion of its life. Echo 1 failed during the coast period after launch, as the attitude control jets on the second stage failed and the spacecraft did not achieve orbit. Echo 1A was a successful relaunch.
Communications · Elliptical Orbit (Elliptical)
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