 OV1-13 and OV1-14 | |
| Mission type | Earth science |
|---|---|
| Operator | USAF |
| COSPAR ID | 1968-026A |
| SATCAT no. | S03173 |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Manufacturer | General Dynamics |
| Launch mass | 107 kg (236 lb) |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 6 April 1968 09:59:42 UTC |
| Rocket | Atlas F |
| Launch site | Vandenberg 576-A-2[1] |
| End of mission | |
| Last contact | 3 November 1969 |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Regime | Low Earth Orbit |
| Eccentricity | 0.38500 |
| Perigee altitude | 588.00 km (365.37 mi) |
| Apogee altitude | 9,316.00 km (5,788.69 mi) |
| Inclination | 100.050° |
| Period | 199.70 minutes[2] |
| Epoch | 6 April 1968 10:04:00 UTC |
Orbiting Vehicle 1–13 (also known as OV1-13 [1]) was a satellite launched on 6 April 1968 to measure the level of radiation in orbit at altitudes as high as 8,000 km (5,000 mi). Part of the OV1 series of USAF satellites, using standardized designs and sent to orbit on decommissioned Atlas ICBMs to reduce development and launching costs, OV1-13 was launched side-by-side with OV1-14. The launch marked the first usage of the Atlas F in the OV program. Operating for more than a year and a half, OV1-13 mapped the grosser characteristics of the Van Allen radiation belts and contributed to the understanding of how particles flow and cause increased intensities during solar storms. As of 12 May 2023, OV1-13 is still in orbit.
- ^ a b McDowell, Jonathan. "Launch Log". Jonathan's Space Report. Retrieved 12 May 2023.
- ^ "OV1-13". NASA. Retrieved 12 May 2023.