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TRAAC (00205)
COSPAR: 1961-031B | Alt Name: Transit Research and Attitude Control
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 15, 1961
Launch Site
Cape Canaveral LC-17B
Launch Pad
LC-17B
Launch Vehicle
Thor DM-21 Ablestar
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
00205
International Designator
1961-031B
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:58:37 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
32.44°
Right Ascension
355.10°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
220.30°
Period
105.68 min
Mean Motion
13.63 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
TRAAC
Alternative Name
Transit Research and Attitude Control
Type
Payload
Status
Unknown
Owner
Bureau of Naval Weapons (BUWEPS)
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
Launched on November 15, 1961, alongside Transit 4B. Ceased operation after approximately 270 days due to radiation damage from the Starfish Prime nuclear test.
Latest TLEs
1 00205U 61031B 26200.83238167 .00000042 00000+0 21455-4 0 9992
2 00205 32.4426 355.0980 0102171 220.3043 138.9969 13.62575664223520
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Transit Research and Attitude Control (TRAAC) satellite was a US-made spacecraft launched on November 15, 1961, from Cape Canaveral LC-17B. It measured approximately 1.0 meters in length and 1.1 meters in diameter, with a mass of 109 kg. The TRAAC was equipped with particle detectors, solar attitude detectors, magnetometers, and a Doppler system.
The satellite's primary mission was to test the feasibility of using gravity-gradient stabilization in Transit navigational satellites and to study the effects of space radiation. It used solar cells to charge nickel-cadmium batteries, generating approximately 16 watts of power. The TRAAC operated for around 270 days before ceasing operation due to damage from a nuclear test.
The satellite's configuration was a cylindrical shape with an extended boom, and it was stabilized using gravity-gradient stabilization. The manufacturer was the Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), and the mission was owned by the Bureau of Naval Weapons (BUWEPS).
Physical Characteristics
Length
1
Diameter
1.1
Span
10
Dry Mass
109
Launch Mass
109
Shape
Cylindrical with extended boom
Radar Cross Section
0.5519
Visual Magnitude
5.5
Color
Silver
Material Composition
Aluminum, beryllium copper
Technical Details
Payload
TRAAC
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
To test the feasibility of using gravity-gradient stabilization in Transit navigational satellites and to study the effects of space radiation.
Manufacturer
Applied Physics Laboratory (APL)
Life Expectancy
Operated for approximately 270 days, providing valuable data on gravity-gradient stabilization and space radiation effects.
Bus
Transit 4
Configuration
Gravity-gradient stabilized satellite
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Particle detectors, solar attitude detectors, magnetometers, Doppler system
Power System
Solar cells charging nickel-cadmium batteries, generating approximately 16 watts.
ADCS
Gravity-gradient stabilization
Transmitter Frequency
54 MHz, 324 MHz
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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