The Day America's Spy Satellites Gained New Eyes
Sixty-three years ago, a Thor-Agena rocket launched the first dual-camera reconnaissance satellite, revolutionizing space-based intelligence while hiding behind the final use of a famous cover name
Launch Date
December 19, 2018
Launch Site
FRGUI
Launch Pad
ELS
Launch Vehicle
Soyuz-ST-A
NORAD ID
43866
International Designator
2018-106A
Decay Date
Unknown
Name
CSO-1
Alternative Name
CSO-1
Type
Status
Owner
DGA/CNES
Country
France
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Length
8
Diameter
3.3
Span
16
Dry Mass
2500
Launch Mass
3655
Shape
Hex-pyramid+4 pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
CSO-1
Purpose
Reconnaissance, electro-optical
Mission
Reconnaissance, electro-optical
Manufacturer
ADST
Life Expectancy
10 years
Bus
Astrosat-100
Configuration
AstroSat-1000
Motor
AOCS
Equipment
?
Power System
4 deployable fixed solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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Sixty-three years ago, a Thor-Agena rocket launched the first dual-camera reconnaissance satellite, revolutionizing space-based intelligence while hiding behind the final use of a famous cover name
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