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1963 · United States Air Force

Syncom 2

successThor Delta B | Syncom 2

Syncom 2 was the first geosynchronous satellite. Although the period was 24 hours and the spacecraft remained at a nearly constant longitude, the orbit was inclined at 33 degrees so it was not truly geostationary but moved in an elongated figure eight pattern 33 degrees north and south of the equator.

Overview

Date / time
July 26, 1963 at 02:33 PM UTC
Outcome
success
Launch site
Space Launch Complex 17A
Mission
Syncom 2
Mission type
Communications
Orbit achieved
Geosynchronous Orbit
Launch vehicle
Thor Delta B →
Launch provider
United States Air Force →

Payloads deployed · 1

SYNCOM 2 (A 26)
GEO