Space Brief 28 Dec 2025
Exploring the future of space with concerns on space debris, rapid growth in orbital data centers, and new developments at launch sites.
SOLRAD 1 (GREB) (00046)
COSPAR: 1960-007B | Alt Name: GRAB 1
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 22, 1960
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC-17B
Launch Vehicle
Thor-Ablestar
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
00046
International Designator
1960-007B
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 00:41:43 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
66.69°
Right Ascension
182.32°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
280.31°
Period
98.98 min
Mean Motion
14.55 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
SOLRAD 1 (GREB)
Alternative Name
GRAB 1
Type
Payload
Status
Unknown
Country
United States
Constellation
SOLRAD
Related Satellites
Major Events
First satellite to observe solar X-rays and conduct orbital surveillance; deactivated in April 1961.
Latest TLEs
1 00046U 60007B 26185.02897046 .00000776 00000-0 15845-3 0 9997
2 00046 66.6863 182.3229 0202296 280.3117 77.5244 14.54896845459457
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The SOLRAD 1 (GREB) satellite was launched on June 22, 1960, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station as part of a joint mission to conduct solar X-ray observations and electronic intelligence gathering. The satellite was equipped with two Lyman-alpha photometers for ultraviolet light study, one X-ray photometer for 2–8Å wavelength range, and S-band radar receiver for electronic intelligence. It was powered by six circular patches of solar cells providing 6 watts.
The SOLRAD 1 (GREB) mission marked the first satellite to observe solar X-rays and conduct orbital surveillance. The scientific instruments functioned until November 1960, while the surveillance equipment continued to operate until September 1960. After approximately 10 months of operation, the satellite was deactivated in April 1961.
The SOLRAD 1 (GREB) satellite was designed and manufactured by the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), with a spherical shape measuring 0.508 meters in diameter and weighing 11.3 kilograms at launch. It operated spin-stabilized and featured a silver color, with six transmitter frequencies for scientific telemetry and surveillance data transmission.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.508
Diameter
0.508
Span
0.508
Dry Mass
11.3
Launch Mass
11.3
Shape
Spherical
Radar Cross Section
0.3563
Visual Magnitude
5
Color
Silver
Material Composition
Aluminum, glass, plastic, copper, steel, stainless steel, nylon, synthetic fabric, phenolic resin, ceramic plate, rubber (silicone), adhesive.
Technical Details
Payload
SOLRAD scientific instruments and GRAB electronic surveillance equipment.
Purpose
ELINT, SIGINT, Research
Mission
Conducted solar X-ray observations and electronic intelligence (ELINT) to map Soviet air defense radar networks.
Manufacturer
Naval Research Laboratory (NRL)
Life Expectancy
Operated for approximately 10 months; scientific instruments functioned until November 1960, and surveillance equipment until September 1960.
Bus
NRL 20
Configuration
NRL 20in sphere
Motor
None
Equipment
Two Lyman-alpha photometers for ultraviolet light study, one X-ray photometer for 2-8Ã… wavelength range, S-band radar receiver for electronic intelligence.
Power System
Six circular patches of solar cells powering nine D cell batteries, providing 6 watts.
ADCS
Spin-stabilized
Transmitter Frequency
108 MHz for scientific telemetry; 139 MHz for surveillance data.
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
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