Encyclopedia entry

DODECAPOLE

Spacecraft · USA

Original archive entry. The text, images and links below are kept as they were written.

American military target satellite.

Subtopics

Family: Medium earth orbit, Military, Military target sat, Surveillance
Country: USA
Launch Vehicles: Thor, Delta, Thor Ablestar, Thor Agena D, Thor SLV-2 Agena D
Launch Sites: Vandenberg, Vandenberg SLC2E, Vandenberg SLC2W
Agency: USN, USAF, US Army
Bibliography: 2, 279, 6

2 events

18:29 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC2W. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Thor SLV-2 Agena D.

DODECAPOLE 1/Porcupine 1 - . Payload: Dodecapole 1. Mass: 4.00 kg (8.80 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Class: Surveillance. Type: Radar calibration target. Spacecraft: DODECAPOLE. USAF Sat Cat: 1272 . COSPAR: 1965-016H. Apogee: 930 km (570 mi). Perigee: 901 km (559 mi). Inclination: 70.10 deg. Period: 103.30 min.
A Thor/Agena D booster was employed to launch eight military satellites into orbit from Vandenberg AFB. This was the largest number of individual payloads yet orbited by the United States with one launch vehicle. Surveillance calibration. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

22:11 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC2E. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Thor Ablestar.

Dodecapole 2 - . Payload: PORCUPINE 2. Mass: 4.00 kg (8.80 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Class: Surveillance. Type: Radar calibration target. Spacecraft: DODECAPOLE. USAF Sat Cat: 1510 . COSPAR: 1965-065C. Apogee: 1,051 km (653 mi). Perigee: 979 km (608 mi). Inclination: 90.00 deg. Period: 105.40 min. Surveillance Calibration; dodecahedron; extended 12 25 ft. antennas. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). .