July 26, 1963 2:33 pm

Syncom 2

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Thor Delta B

Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA
Days
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July 26, 1963 2:33 pm

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Last Updated:

2026-07-13 22:00:51

Syncom 2 was the first geosynchronous satellite. Although the period was 24 hours and the spacecraft remained at a nearly constant longitude, the orbit was inclined at 33 degrees so it was not truly geostationary but moved in an elongated figure eight pattern 33 degrees north and south of the equator.
Launch Overview
Window Open 14:33 UTC
Window Close 14:33 UTC
Lift Off Jul 26, 1963 · 14:33 UTC
Launch Facility Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA
Launch Pad Space Launch Complex 17A
Target Orbit Geosynchronous Orbit
Payload Overview
Customer United States Air Force
Payload Syncom 2
Rocket Thor Delta B
Destination Geosynchronous Orbit
Recovery Overview
Landing Location See Mission Notes
Landing Type RTLS / Droneship
Syncom 2 was the first geosynchronous satellite. Although the period was 24 hours and the spacecraft remained at a nearly constant longitude, the orbit was inclined at 33 degrees so it was not truly geostationary but moved in an elongated figure eight pattern 33 degrees north and south of the equator.

Height

LEO Payload

Total Launches

Status

United States Air Force
Space Launch Complex 17A
Launch Overview
Window Open 14:33 UTC
Window Close 14:33 UTC
Lift Off Jul 26, 1963 · 14:33 UTC
Launch Facility Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA
Launch Pad Space Launch Complex 17A
Target Orbit Geosynchronous Orbit
Payload Overview
Customer United States Air Force
Payload Syncom 2
Rocket Thor Delta B
Destination Geosynchronous Orbit
Recovery Overview
Landing Location See Mission Notes
Landing Type RTLS / Droneship

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