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OV4 1R, 1T, 2R, 2T
OV4 1R and OV4 1T [Raytheon]
The OV4 1R and OV4 1T (Orbiting Vehicle 4) satellites were an experiment to test the feasibility of using the ionosphere's F-layer as a wave guidance for HF and VHF transmissions between satellites out of line of sight of each other ("Whispering Gallery").
The 109 kg OV-1T (Transmitter) carried transmitters operating at 20 MHz, 34 MHz and 46 MHz and incorporated a small rocket motor to ensure separation from OV4-1R.
The 136 kg OV4-1R satellite carried receiving equipment.
A second set of OV4-"Whispering Gallery" satellites was to be launched in 1967 as OV4-2R and OV4-2T but the programme had been cancelled along with the cancellation of the MOL programme.
| Nation: | USA |
|---|---|
| Type / Application: | Experimental |
| Operator: | US Air Force (USAF) |
| Contractors: | Raytheon |
| Equipment: | |
| Configuration: | |
| Propulsion: | |
| Power: | Batteries |
| Lifetime: | |
| Mass: | 136 kg (#1R); 109 kg (#1T) |
| Orbit: | 298 km × 305 km, 32.82° |
| Satellite | COSPAR | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OV4 1R | 1966-099B | 03.11.1966 | CC LC-40 | Titan-3C | with OV4 3, OV1 6, OV4 1T, Gemini B * | |
| OV4 1T | 1966-099D | 03.11.1966 | CC LC-40 | Titan-3C | with OV4 3, OV1 6, OV4 1R, Gemini B * | |
| OV4 2R | - | cancelled | with ?, OV4 2T | |||
| OV4 2T | - | cancelled | with ?, OV4 2R |
References:
- Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles: Orbiting Vehicle (OV)
- J. W. Powell and G. R. Richards, “The Orbiting Vehicle series of satellites”, Journal of the British Interplanetary Society, Volume 40, pp.417-426, 1987.
Further OV missions:
