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TRANSIT 2A (00045)
COSPAR: 1960-007A | Alt Name: Transit II-A
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 22, 1960
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC-17B
Launch Vehicle
Thor-Able-Star
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
00045
International Designator
1960-007A
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:02:40 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
66.69°
Right Ascension
315.51°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
148.32°
Period
100.28 min
Mean Motion
14.36 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
TRANSIT 2A
Alternative Name
Transit II-A
Type
Payload
Status
Unknown
Owner
Bureau of Naval Weapons (BUWEPS)
Country
United States
Constellation
Transit
Related Satellites
Major Events
Launched on June 22, 1960, Transit 2A was part of the U.S. Navy's Navigation Satellite System, providing accurate global position data to support naval operations. It was the first satellite to carry a de-spin system to stabilize its orientation in space.
Latest TLEs
1 00045U 60007A 26185.08519143 .00000611 00000-0 17536-3 0 9998
2 00045 66.6948 315.5071 0244537 148.3152 213.2939 14.35986015382476
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Transit 2A satellite was launched on June 22, 1960, as part of the US Navy's Navigation Satellite System. It was designed to provide accurate global position data for naval operations and carried a de-spin system to stabilize its orientation in space, making it the first satellite to do so. The satellite had two transmitting systems that operated on four frequencies: 54 MHz, 162 MHz, 216 MHz, and 324 MHz.
Transit 2A was equipped with silver-zinc and nickel-cadmium batteries, a command receiver system, an infrared scanner for special studies, and solar cells to power the satellite. The spacecraft had a spherical shape with a diameter of approximately 0.9 meters and weighed around 101 kilograms at launch. It was manufactured by the Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) and operated for over six years, transmitting valuable data that contributed significantly to geophysical and solar research.
The Transit 2A played an essential role in the development of navigation technology, providing accurate position data that supported naval operations worldwide. Its successful operation led to a constellation of similar satellites being launched as part of the Transit system, which ultimately replaced traditional lighthouse-based navigation systems with more precise satellite-based positioning.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.9
Diameter
0.9
Span
0.9
Dry Mass
101
Launch Mass
101
Shape
Sphere
Radar Cross Section
0.4368
Visual Magnitude
5
Color
White with spiral antenna pattern
Material Composition
Fiberglass shell with honeycomb plastic filler; aluminum instrument tray; pressure-laminated fiberglass support tube.
Technical Details
Payload
Transit 2A
Purpose
Navigation
Mission
Navigation
Manufacturer
Applied Physics Laboratory (APL)
Life Expectancy
Operated for over 6 years, transmitting valuable data that bolstered understanding in geophysical and solar research.
Bus
Transit
Configuration
Sphere
Motor
None
Equipment
Two transmitting systems, each transmitting on two frequencies: 54 MHz and 324 MHz, and 162 MHz and 216 MHz; silver-zinc and nickel-cadmium batteries; two command receivers; a de-spin system; and an infrared scanner designed for special studies by the Naval Ordnance Test Station.
Power System
Solar cells (body mounted), batteries
ADCS
Spin stabilization with de-spin system
Transmitter Frequency
54 MHz, 162 MHz, 216 MHz, 324 MHz
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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