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// signals intelligence · 1965

SOLRAD 7B

Solar monitoring satellite. SOLRAD 7B was launched on March 9, 1965 aboard a Thor SLV-2 Agena D from Vandenberg. Latest status in GCAT: in orbit.

COSPAR 1965-016DNORAD 1291United States

Identity

Name in GCAT
SR 7B
Common name
SOLRAD 7B
Payload designation
POPPY 4 Alfa
Other names
NRL PL141,NRO Mission 7104A
International designator
1965-016D
NORAD catalog number
1291
GCAT identifier
S01291
UN registration
A/AC.105/INF.101

Mission

Mission type
Signals intelligence
Use
Defense
Program
POPPY
Owner
NRO
Country
United States
Builder
Naval Research Lab
Platform (bus)
NRL 24"

Launch

Date
March 9, 1965 · 18:29 UTC
Launch record
1965-016Success
Spaceport
Vandenberg · pad 75-1-2

Orbit and fate

Orbit class (GCAT)
LEO/I
Perigee
909 km
Apogee
938 km
Inclination
70.09°
Status
In orbit
Last known active
February 2023
End of operations
July 1969

Size

Mass
47 kg
Dry mass
47 kg
Length
0.5 m
Diameter
0.50 m
Span
1.5 m

Source: GCAT payload, deep-space and lander catalogs, Jonathan C. McDowell (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata Q9332240 (CC0).