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Payload

SYNCOM 2 (A 26)

NonoperationalPayloadGEO

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
July 26, 1963 at 02:33 PM UTC
Launch site
Cape Canaveral SFS, USA
Launched by
Thor Delta B →
Operator
United States Air Force
Mission
Syncom 2
Launch record
View full launch →

Orbit

Orbit regime
GEO
Apoapsis
35,818 km
Periapsis
35,761 km
Inclination
29.99°
Orbital period
1436.25 min

Identity

COSPAR (Int'l)
1963-031A
NORAD catalog №
634
Object type
Payload
Owner / operator
United StatesUnited States
Radar cross-section
2.1538 m²
Status
Nonoperational

End of mission

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