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Injun 1 (00117)
COSPAR: 1961-015B | Alt Name: SOLRAD 3 & INJUN 1
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 29, 1961
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC-17B
Launch Vehicle
Thor-Ablestar
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
00117
International Designator
1961-015B
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 03:19:48 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
66.81°
Right Ascension
323.82°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
284.73°
Period
103.58 min
Mean Motion
13.90 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
Basic Satellite Info
Name
Injun 1
Alternative Name
SOLRAD 3 & INJUN 1
Type
Payload
Status
Unknown
Owner
Office of Naval Research / State University of Iowa
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
Injun 1 was launched alongside Transit 4A and SOLRAD 3 on June 29, 1961. It failed to separate from SOLRAD 3, which affected its data transmission capabilities.
Latest TLEs
1 00117U 61015B 26185.13875573 -.00000018 00000-0 45815-4 0 9990
2 00117 66.8138 323.8158 0084262 284.7282 74.4470 13.90192390296413
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Injun 1 satellite was launched on June 29, 1961, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station as part of a joint mission with SOLRAD 3 and Transit 4A. However, due to issues with separation, it failed to transmit data independently and had limited capabilities. The satellite weighed 18 kg (40 lbs) and was equipped with various instruments for studying the Van Allen radiation belts and auroral phenomena.
Injun 1 operated until March 1963, providing valuable insights into geophysical phenomena. It carried a range of instruments including particle detectors, magnetometers, and photometers to monitor the Earth's radiation belts and aurorae. The satellite used solar cells and batteries for power and had magnetic stabilization for attitude control.
Despite its limited capabilities due to the separation issue, Injun 1 made significant contributions to our understanding of the Van Allen radiation belts and other geophysical phenomena during its operational period from June 1961 to March 1963.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.4
Diameter
0.4
Span
0.4
Dry Mass
18
Launch Mass
18
Shape
Box
Radar Cross Section
0.4448
Visual Magnitude
5
Color
Silver
Material Composition
Aluminum and other lightweight materials
Technical Details
Payload
Injun 1
Purpose
ELINT, SIGINT, Research
Mission
Conducted scientific research on Earth's radiation belts and auroral phenomena.
Manufacturer
University of Iowa
Life Expectancy
Operated until March 1963, providing valuable data on the Van Allen radiation belts and other geophysical phenomena.
Bus
Injun
Configuration
NRL 20in sphere
Motor
None
Equipment
Instruments included particle detectors of varying types, magnetometers, and photometers for observing auroras.
Power System
Solar cells and batteries
ADCS
Magnetic stabilization
Transmitter Frequency
136.05 MHz
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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