Echo 1
Thor Delta
United States Air Force
Mission
Echo 1
- Type: Communications
- Orbit: Elliptical Orbit
- Launch Cost: $7,270,000
The Echo 1A spacecraft was a 30.48 m diameter balloon of mylar polyester film 0.0127 mm thick. The spacecraft was designed as a passive communications reflector for transcontinental and intercontinental telephone (voice), radio, and television signals. It had 107.9 MHz beacon transmitters for telemetry purposes. These transmitters were powered by five nickel-cadmium batteries that were charged by 70 solar cells mounted on the balloon. Because of the large area-to-mass ratio of the spacecraft, data for the calculation of atmospheric density and solar pressure could be acquired. The spacecraft was also used to evaluate the technical feasibility of satellite triangulation during the latter portion of its life. Echo 1 failed during the coast period after launch, as the attitude control jets on the second stage failed and the spacecraft did not achieve orbit. Echo 1A was a successful relaunch.
Location
Space Launch Complex 17A
Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA
Find the best place to watch the launch from Florida
Space Launch Complex 17A has witnessed the launch of 145 rockets, including 145 orbital launch attempts. While Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA, has been the site for 1106 rocket launches.
Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) is an installation of the United States Space Force's Space Launch Delta 45, located on Cape Canaveral in Brevard County, Florida.
Rocket
McDonnell Douglas Thor Delta
American orbital launch vehicle. Commercial name for the military's Thor-Delta.
Agency
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force (USAF) is the air service branch of the United States Armed Forces, and is one of the eight uniformed services of the United States. Originally created on 1 August 1907, as a part of the United States Army Signal Corps, the USAF was established as a separate branch of the United States Armed Forces in 1947 with the enactment of the National Security Act of 1947.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the United States Air Force Thor Delta Echo 1 launch scheduled?
The United States Air Force Thor Delta Echo 1 launch was scheduled for:
.
Where did the United States Air Force Thor Delta Echo 1 mission launch from?
The United States Air Force Thor Delta rocket launched from Space Launch Complex 17A at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA. Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) is an installation of the United States Space Force's Space Launch Delta 45, located on Cape Canaveral in Brevard County, Florida.
What rocket was used for the Echo 1 mission?
The Echo 1 mission launched aboard a United States Air Force Thor Delta rocket. American orbital launch vehicle. Commercial name for the military's Thor-Delta. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
What weather conditions could have delayed the United States Air Force Thor Delta Echo 1 launch?
The United States Air Force Thor Delta Echo 1 launch could have been delayed by various weather conditions including lightning within 10 nautical miles, high winds (especially upper-level winds), thick cloud layers, precipitation, and poor visibility. Weather must be favorable at the launch site, downrange landing zones, and abort landing sites.
How can I get updates if the United States Air Force Thor Delta Echo 1 launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest United States Air Force Thor Delta launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the Echo 1 mission. You can also check our space launch schedule for historical launch information. Our mobile app provides push notifications for instant alerts about launch status changes. Official United States Air Force live streams provided the most immediate range updates during the launch window.