Geophysical Research Satellite

American research satellite. Geophysical Research Satellite was launched on June 28, 1963 aboard a Scout X-4 from Wallops. Latest status in GCAT: reentered attached to another object (Dec 14, 1983).

COSPAR 1963-026ANORAD 612United States

Identity

Name in GCAT: GRS
Common name: Geophysical Research Satellite
Payload designation: AFCRL A
International designator: 1963-026A
NORAD catalog number: 612
GCAT identifier: S00612
UN registration: A/AC.105/INF.043

Mission

Mission type: Space science
Use: Civil government
Program: AFCRL
Owner: AFCRL
Country: United States
Builder: US Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratories
Platform (bus): GRS

Launch

Date: June 28, 1963 · 21:19 UTC
Launch record: 1963-026Success
Rocket: Scout X-4
Spaceport: Wallops · pad LA3

Orbit and fate

Orbit class (GCAT): LEO/I
Perigee: 421 km
Apogee: 1,298 km
Inclination: 49.74°
Status: Reentered attached to another object
Status date: December 14, 1983
Last known active: Jun 29, 1963
End of operations: Jun 29, 1963

Size

Mass: 66 kg
Dry mass: 66 kg
Total mass with attached objects: 99 kg
Length: 1.0 m
Diameter: 0.50 m
Span: 1.0 m

Source: GCAT payload, deep-space and lander catalogs, Jonathan C. McDowell (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata Q10301259 (CC0).