The Day America Pioneered Polar Orbits
Sixty-six years ago, a Thor-Agena rocket thundered into the California sky carrying Discoverer 1, the first satellite attempt at polar orbit and the secret vanguard of Americas space reconnaissance program
Launch Date
July 29, 1976
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC2W
Launch Vehicle
Delta 2310
NORAD ID
10832
International Designator
1976-077CC
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 07:06:18 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
102.28°
Right Ascension
110.36°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
155.85°
Period
118.02 min
Mean Motion
12.20 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Name
DELTA 1 DEB
Alternative Name
deb Delta 126
Type
Status
Owner
GSFC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
1 10832U 76077CC 26185.29604853 .00000043 00000-0 81089-3 0 9996
2 10832 102.2804 110.3571 0119280 155.8550 357.6686 12.20119918223755
Source: Celestrak
Length
0
Diameter
0
Span
0
Dry Mass
0
Launch Mass
0
Shape
N/A
Radar Cross Section
0.0923
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
Unknown
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
Unknown
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Unknown
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Sixty-six years ago, a Thor-Agena rocket thundered into the California sky carrying Discoverer 1, the first satellite attempt at polar orbit and the secret vanguard of Americas space reconnaissance program
Today's brief covers SpaceX's secretive military launch, advancements in nuclear fusion, and groundbreaking observations of dying stars and supernovae.
York Space raises $629M in IPO to expand satellite manufacturing. NRO declassifies Cold War-era JUMPSEAT spy satellites. Lockheed to boost THAAD interceptor production from 96 to 400 per year.
Today's Space Brief delves into NASA's lunar nuclear power initiative, a strategic Army data integration project, and a rare SpaceX Falcon booster launch. Also covered are significant advancements in military satellite technology and Navy unmanned surface vehicles.
Today's highlights include SpaceX's Starlink launch, NASA's revived lunar mission, and a spotlight on space-defense activities.
Artemis II SLS/Orion rolls to Launch Complex 39B for first crewed lunar mission since 1972. China suffers dual launch failures on the same day. SpainSat NG 2 declared total loss from debris strike.
Notable space events as the year closes: China's record orbital launches, Vandenberg's new launch site, Rocket Lab's achievements, and urgent MAVEN recovery efforts.
Blue Origin launch pad rebuild begins at Cape Canaveral after the New Glenn explosion, targeting return to flight by end of 2026. SpaceX flies NROL-179.