The Day Fiery Failure Launched NASA
Sixty-eight years ago, America's first satellite exploded on the launchpad in front of the entire world. But from the ashes of Vanguard TV-3 came the determination that would eventually win the Space Race.
USA 606 (69071)
COSPAR: N/A | Alt Name: N/A
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 12, 2026
Launch Site
Unknown
Launch Pad
Unknown
Launch Vehicle
Unknown
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
69071
International Designator
N/A
Decay Date
Unknown
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
USA 606
Alternative Name
N/A
Type
Unknown
Status
Unknown
Owner
NROC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
Apologies, there is no summary for this satellite yet. I am working to generate these for every object in the catalog, but it is going to take time.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.3
Diameter
4.1
Span
29.0
Dry Mass
750
Launch Mass
800
Shape
Box + pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Starshield 12-21
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
SPXS
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Starshield
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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