The Surveillance Calibration (orSURCAL) satellites were a series of radar calibration satellites for the Naval Space Surveillance radar system. They were launched in the 1960s.
The SURCAL series of satellites were produced by the Naval Research Laboratory to act as test and calibration targets for the Naval Space Surveillance radar. The first SURCAL satellite was intended to remain attached to the launch vehicle[1] and was a 5.5 inch long, 5.5 inch diameter cylinder.[2] The other four SURCAL satellites were box-shaped with solar panels, a transponder, and antennas.[3] They transmitted a 216 MHz signal on command.[4]
SURCAL Satellites
Name
COSPAR[5]
Launch date[5]
Rocket[6]
Mass (kg)
Re-entry [7]
SURCAL 1
N/A
24 January 1962
98.5 kg[8]
Launch failure
SURCAL 2[a]
1962 B Tau 4
13 December 1962
37 kg[9]
18 Jan 1966
SURCAL 3[b]
1962-021F
15 June 1963
3 kg[11]
5 Jul 1963
SURCAL 4[c]
1965-016G
9 March 1965
5 kg[12]
27 March 1981
SURCAL 5
1965-065K
9 March 1965
In orbit
Astronautix includes passive satellites such as the SURCAL 150B and SURCAL 160 target objects as part of the SURCAL program.[6]
Payloads are separated by bullets ( · ), launches by pipes ( | ). Crewed flights are indicated in underline. Uncatalogued launch failures are listed in italics. Payloads deployed from other spacecraft are denoted in (brackets).
Payloads are separated by bullets ( · ), launches by pipes ( | ). Crewed flights are indicated in underline. Uncatalogued launch failures are listed in italics. Payloads deployed from other spacecraft are denoted in (brackets).
Payloads are separated by bullets ( · ), launches by pipes ( | ). Crewed flights are indicated in underline. Uncatalogued launch failures are listed in italics. Payloads deployed from other spacecraft are denoted in (brackets).
