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The OV1, originally called SATAR, was designed to carry a variety of scientific experiments into orbit in a special pod on the Atlas booster when the lift capability of the Atlas was not fully utilized by other experiments thus providing an economical satellite with "bonus" experiments. The OV1 had its own propulsion system which was fired after the satellite was ejected from the booster vehicle. The OVl remained inside the Atlas-retained structure during the Atlas flight to protect it from aerodynamics loading and heating. The space vehicle coasted for about 8 minutes in space as pre-programmed attitude control maneuvers were performed on command of the propulsion module guidance system to position it for firing of its solid-fuelled motor. OV1 could be launched singly on the side of Atlas or in dual pods on the booster nose. Once in space, it could attain near-circular or highly elliptical earth orbits, high altitude probes or high velocity re-entry missions. Each OV1 could carry a 36 kg payload. Total mass on the Atlas was 1,113 kg for the dual pod load. The satellite was 1.40 m long and 0.68 m in diameter. Contracting agency was the USAF's Office of Aerospace Research. Prime Contractor was Convair Division of General Dynamics Corporation. Associate Contractor was Allegheny Ballistics Laboratory (propulsion system). Typical orbit: 496 x 2301 km, 103.5 deg inclinaton. Length: 1.40 m (4.50 ft). Maximum Diameter: 0.68 m (2.23 ft). Mass: 555 kg (1,223 lb). Payload: 36 kg (79 lb). Associated Launch Vehicle: Atlas D, Atlas F, Titan 3C. OV1 Chronology
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