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Payload

SYNCOM 1

NonoperationalPayloadMEO

Syncom started as a 1961 NASA program for active geosynchronous communication satellites, all of which were developed and manufactured by the Space and Communications division of Hughes Aircraft Company. Syncom 2, launched in 1963, was the world's first geosynchronous communications satellite. Syncom 3, launched in 1964, was the world's first geostationary satellite.

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Launch

Launch date
February 14, 1963 at 05:35 AM UTC
Launch site
Cape Canaveral SFS, USA
Launched by
Thor Delta B →
Operator
United States Air Force
Mission
Syncom 1
Launch record
View full launch →

Orbit

Orbit regime
MEO
Apoapsis
34,852 km
Periapsis
28,702 km
Inclination
26.73°
Orbital period
1236.22 min

Identity

COSPAR (Int'l)
1963-004A
NORAD catalog №
553
Object type
Payload
Owner / operator
United StatesUnited States
Radar cross-section
0.0339 m²
Status
Nonoperational

End of mission

Fate
No longer operational — remains in orbit as inactive.
Final status
Nonoperational