// astronomy · 1970

Uhuru

First satellite launched specifically for the purpose of X-ray astronomy. Uhuru was launched on December 12, 1970 aboard a Scout B from San Marco. Latest status in GCAT: reentered (orbital decay) (Apr 5, 1979).

COSPAR 1970-107ANORAD 4797United States

Identity

Name in GCAT: Uhuru
Payload designation: SAS A
Other names: Explorer 42
International designator: 1970-107A
NORAD catalog number: 4797
GCAT identifier: S04797
UN registration: A/AC.105/INF.229

Mission

Mission type: Astronomy
Use: Civil government
Program: SAS
Owner: GSFC
Country: United States
Builder: JHU-Applied Physics Lab
Platform (bus): SAS

Launch

Date: December 12, 1970 · 10:53 UTC
Launch record: 1970-107Success
Rocket: Scout B
Spaceport: San Marco

Orbit and fate

Orbit class (GCAT): LLEO/E
Perigee: 534 km
Apogee: 573 km
Inclination: 3.03°
Status: Reentered (orbital decay)
Status date: April 5, 1979
Last known active: Mar 18, 1973
End of operations: Mar 18, 1973

Size

Mass: 143 kg
Dry mass: 143 kg
Length: 1.3 m
Diameter: 0.60 m
Span: 3.9 m

Source: GCAT payload, deep-space and lander catalogs, Jonathan C. McDowell (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata Q580043 (CC0).