Skynet 1A

Military communications satellite. Skynet 1A was launched on November 22, 1969 aboard a Thor Delta M from Cape Canaveral & Kennedy. Latest status in GCAT: in orbit.

COSPAR 1969-101ANORAD 4250United Kingdom

Identity

Name in GCAT: Skynet IA
Common name: Skynet 1A
International designator: 1969-101A
NORAD catalog number: 4250
GCAT identifier: S04250
UN registration: ST/SG/SER.E/214

Mission

Mission type: Communications
Use: Defense
Program: Skynet
Owner: UK MoD
Country: United Kingdom
Builder: Philco-Ford
Platform (bus): Skynet

Launch

Date: November 22, 1969 · 00:37 UTC
Launch record: 1969-101Success
Rocket: Thor Delta M
Spaceport: Cape Canaveral & Kennedy · pad LC17A

Orbit and fate

Orbit class (GCAT): GEO/S
Perigee: 35,791 km
Apogee: 35,796 km
Inclination: 2.31°
Status: In orbit
Last known active: March 1972
End of operations: March 1972

Size

Mass: 118 kg
Dry mass: 107 kg
Total mass with attached objects: 243 kg
Length: 1.4 m
Diameter: 0.80 m
Span: 1.4 m

Source: GCAT payload, deep-space and lander catalogs, Jonathan C. McDowell (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata Q16325284 (CC0).