1963-005A
The third P35 launch used the Scout X-3M, which replaced the Algol 1D first stage with an uprated Algol 2A. The launch on 1963 Feb 19 was successful, although the orbit was 510 x 789 km x 100 deg instead of the planned 734 x 870 km x 98 deg. Each of the first three stages underperformed, with the third stage (Antares) particularly poor. The departure from sun-synchronous orbit made reorientation necessary after several months. The satellite was known as Operation 0240; the P35 program name had changed in Oct 1962. There are indications it was the fourth spacecraft produced, and the 4 in 0240 may refer to this.
Spacecraft 0240 carried an IR detector from the University of Wisconsin as a secondary payload, used to provide nighttime cloud cover maps. This later became a standard instrument for DMSP. 0240 was the first P35 satellite to be operated by USAF ground stations.
| FTV 3503 | |||
| Date | Time | Event | Orbit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1963 Feb 19 | 1652? | Launch by Scout X-3M | PA LC-D |
| T+1:08? St 1 Algol burnout | |||
| T+1:25? St 2 Castor burn | |||
| T+2:07? St 2 burnout | |||
| T+2:13? Fairing sep | |||
| T+2:13? St 3 Antares burn | |||
| T+2:45? St 3 burnout | |||
| T+9:40? St 3 sep | |||
| 1701 | T+9:41? St 4 MG-18 burn | ||
| 1702? | St 4 sep | ||
| 510 x 789 x 100.49 | |||
| 1963 Apr | Tape recorder problem | ||
| 1963 Sep | s | Reorientation | |
| 1964 Jan | IR sensor off | ||
| 1979 Dec 26 | Reentered | ||
