Home 1963 Summary
1962 spacecrafts 1964 spacecrafts
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The 97 spacecrafts launched in 1963:
1) Luna 2) Discoverer 58 / KH-4 3) Ferret 3 4) Luna
5) Syncom 1 6) P-35-3 / DAPP 3 7) Discoverer 59 / KH-4 8) Lanyard-8001 / KH-6 1
9) Hitchhiker / P-11 1 10) Kosmos 13 (Zenit-2 #9) 11) Discoverer 60 / KH-4 12) Luna 4
13) Explorer 17 / AE-A 14) Transit 5A2 15) Kosmos (DS-P1 #2) 16) Kosmos 14 (Omega-1#1)
17) Kosmos 15 (Zenit-2 #8) 18) P-35-4 / DAPP 4 19) Discoverer 61 / KH-4 20) Kosmos 16 (Zenit-2 #10)
21) Telstar 2 22) Midas 7 23) ERS 5 / TRS 2 24) ERS 6 / TRS 3
25) DASH 1 26) Wesfort 2 27) Mercury 9 (MA-9 / Mercury-Atlas 9) 28) Flashlight
29) Lanyard 8002 / KH-6 2 30) Kosmos 17 (DS-A1 #2) 31) Kosmos 18 (Zenit-2 #11) 32) Kosmos (DS-MT No. 1)
33) Discoverer 62 / KH-4 34) Midas 8 35) TRS 7 / ERS 7 36) TRS 8
37) Vostok 5 38) FTV 1292 39) Lofti 2A 40) Solrad 6A / GRAB
41) Radose 112 42) Ferret 130 43) Surcal 1C-133 44) Transit 5A3
45) Vostok 6 46) Tiros 7 47) Discoverer 63 / KH-4 48) Hitchhiker 1 / P-11 2
49) GRS 50) Ferret 4 51) Kosmos (Zenit-2 No. 12) 52) Improve Samos 1 / KH-7 1
53) Discoverer 64 / KH-4 54) Midas 9 55) TRS 10 / ERS 10 56) TRS 9 / ERS 9
57) DASH 2 58) Syncom 2 59) Lanyard 8003 / KH-6 60) Kosmos 19 (DS-P1 #3)
61) Kosmos (DS-A1 #3) 62) Discoverer 65 / KH-4A 63) Discoverer 66 / KH-4 64) LAMPO
65) Improve Samos 2 / KH-7 2 66) Discoverer 67 / KH-4A 67) P-35-5 / DAPP 5 68) Transit 5E 1Transit 5E 1
69) Transit 5BN1 70) APL SN 39 71) Vela Hotel 1 / Vela 1A 72) Vela Hotel 2 / Vela 1B
73) ERS 12 / TRS 5 74) Kosmos 20 (Zenit-2 #13) 75) Kosmos (DS-A1 #4) 76) Improve Samos 3 / KH-7 3
77) Subsatellite 78) Discoverer 68 / KH-5 79) Hitchhiker 2 80) Poliot 1 (Polet or Polyot)
81) Discoverer 69 / KH-4 82) Kosmos 21 (3MV-1 #1) 83) Kosmos 22 (Zenit-4 #1) 84) Explorer 18 / IMP A
85) AC-2 / Atlas-Centaur 2 86) Discoverer 70 / KH-4 87) Kosmos (Zenit-2 #14) 88) "Unidentified"
89) Transit 5BN2 90) Transit 5E 3 91) Kosmos 23 (Omega-1 #2) 92) Improve Samos 4 / KH-7 4
93) Kosmos 24 (Zenit-2 #15) 94) Explorer 19 / AD-A 95) Tiros 8 96) Discoverer 71 / KH-4
97) Hitchhiker 3 / P-11 A3
..
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Spacecraft Entries
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Luna
Spacecraft:  E-6 No. 1
Chronologies: 1963 payload #1 ; 1963-001A ; 256th spacecraft.
Type: Lunar probe
Sponsor: Soviet Union (Korolev's Design Bureau)
Launch: 4 January 1963 at 8h49 UTC, from Baykonur Cosmodrome's LC-1, by an A-2-e/"Molniya" (8K78 T103-09).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission: “U.S.S.R. unannounced launching (1963 1-A,1-C), with fragments reentering from 5 January through 11 January 1963.” The June 15, 1963 Goddars Space Flight Center’s Satellite Sittation Report identified three Soviet space launching not previously released by either the U.S. or U.S.S.R: including the Jan. 4, 1963 (1963 1A-lC), with fragments re-enhring from Jan. 5 through Jan. 11.
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-001A ; TRW Space Log ; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 4, 243 ;
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Discoverer 58 / CORONA 9051 / KH-4
Spacecraft:  OPS 0048
Chronologies: 1963 payload #2 ; 1963-002A ; 257th spacecraft.
Type: Reconnaisance
Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office
Launch: 7 January 1963 at 21h09 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-1-1, by a Thor-Agena D (Thor 369 / Agena D 1157).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission: (Reported as “undisclosed payload” by USAF.)
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-002A ; TRW Space Log ; NRO's Corona : JPL's Corona : Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 5 ;
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Ferret 3
Spacecraft:  Program 102 (BK) ; OPS 0180
Chronologies: 1963 payload #3 ; 1963-003A ; 258th spacecraft.
Type: Electronic intelligence
Sponsor: U.S. Air Force
Launch: 16 January 1963 at 21h59 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-3-5, by a Thor-Agena B (Thor 363 / Agena B? 2313).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission: (Reported as an “unidentified satellite” by USAF.)
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-003A ; TRW Space Log ; Jonathan McDowell's USAF imaging programs' 9.3.1: SAMOS ; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 14 ;
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Luna
Spacecraft:  E-6 No. 2
Chronologies: 1963 payload #4 ; 1963 1st loss ; 259th spacecraft.
Type: Lunar probe
Sponsor: Soviet Union (Korolev's Design Bureau)
Launch: 3 February 1963 at 9h29 UTC, from Baykonur Cosmodrome's LC-1, by an A-2-e/"Molniya" (8K78 G103-10).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission:
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ;  TRW Space Log ;
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Syncom 1
Spacecraft: 
Chronologies: 1963 payload #5 ; 1963-004A ; 260th spacecraft.
Type: Communications (technology)
Sponsor: NASA
Launch: 14 February 1963 at 5h35 UTC, from Cape Canaveral's LC-17B, by a Delta DM-3B (Thor Delta B 358 / Delta 16).
Orbit: 34,260 km x 36,608 km x 33.3°x 1,424.8 min. 
(drifting eastward at 3.8° per day) 
Decayed:
Mission: Syncom I communications satellite was entering a highly elliptical-orbit when, about five hours after launch, its apogee-kick motor was fired for about 20 seconds in maneuver designed to place the satellite into near-synchronous, 24-hour orbit 35,900 km above the Earth. At about the time the apogee-kick motor completed burning, ground stations lost contact with the satellite and could not confirm a synchronous orbit. NASA officials assumed that “the satellite’s spin axis was misaligned at the time of the apogee motor firing. Beatuse of this, they have been unable “to determie whether the satellite is damaged.”
     Syncom I was to have hovered at a nearly fixed longitude over the Atlantic Ocean and traced every 24 hours a figure-8 pattern approximately 30° north and 30° south of the equator; this path would be close enough to true synchronous orbit, stationary hovering at speed equal to that of Earth’s rotation to detemine if synchronous orbital communications satellites were feasible. Experiments with Syncom were to have included telephone and teletype communications transmitted between New Jersey and Lagos Harbor, Nigeria. Syncom was NASA project, supported by DOD ground stations and communications experiment.
     Lt. Col. Robert E. Warren, NASA Deputy Director of Communications Systems, reports that Goddard Space Flight Center had determined apogee of Syncom’s elliptical transfer orbit would occur at 34,900 km altitude, about 950-km short of synchronous altitude, but well within allowable error. So that more nearly synchronous orbit could be achieved, signal was sent commanding satellite’s apogee motor to fire 10 minute earlier (at 5:42) than firing time set on onboard timer. Syncom received and stored signal, and 20.1 seconds later, ground reception of satellite telemetry abruptly ceased. Because apogee motor was to have fired for 21.2 sec., Colonel Warren said it was “difficult to imagine that these two events are unrelated… 
     “So, what can we make of all this? First we know that Syncom is in orbit. If the apogee motor did not fire, it is still in the elliptical orbit and will eventually be found, either by optics or by radar. If the apogee motor did fire, Syncom is in a very high altitude orbit, and without telemetry, there is only a slim chance that it will be found... Secondly, we know that one of the communications transponders worked well in the transfer ellipse. Thirdly, we have shown once more that the Delta, launch vehicle is a reliable booster, this being its 15th successive flight with performance well within amptable error.”
      On 28 February 1963, Harvard College Observatory reported that astronomers at Boyden Observatory at Bloemfontein, South Africa, had photographed Syncom I. The Observatory’s photographs indicated Syncom I probably was in orbit abo6ut 35,000 km high.
     On 2 March 1963, Boyden Observatory near Bloemfontein, South Afnca, had confirmed location of Syncom I: the satellite was tumbling end over end in its orbital path about 35,000 km high.  The Boyden Observatory had just obtained two good plates showing images in the expected position. With this final confirmation, there is no doubt whatever of the location of the satellite. It behaved approximately as expected. Attempts by USNS Kingsport to command the satellite to turn on its telemetry and communications equipment since March 1 had been unsuccessful.
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-004A ; TRW Space Log ; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 54-5, 60, 72, 79-80, 80 ;
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P-35-3 / DAPP 3
Spacecraft:  OPS 0240
Chronologies: 1963 payload #6 ; 1963-005A ; 261st spacecraft.
Type: Meteorology
Sponsor: U.S. Air Force
Source : A, Parsch
Launch: 19 February 1963 at 16h33 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-D, by a Scout (Scout X-3M S126).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission: (Launched as an unidentified payload by USAF.)
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-005A ; TRW Space Log ; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 59 ;
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Discoverer 59 / CORONA 9052 / KH-4
Spacecraft:  OPS 0583
Chronologies: 1963 payload #7 ; 1963 2nd loss ; 262nd spacecraft.
Type: Reconnaissance
Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office
Launch: 28 February 1963 at 21h48 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-3-5, by a Thor-Agena D (Thor 2C 354 / Agena D 1159).
Orbit: N/a
Decayed: 28 February 1963
Mission: Air Force said that “an improved Thor booster combination of liquid and solid propellants,” launched with unnamed satellite from Vandenberg AFB, was deliberately destroyed when it veered off course. Improved Thor had increased thrust from 77 to 150 tons almost double its earlier power and almost equal to the early Atlas.
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's NNNS6301 ; TRW Space Log ; NRO's Corona : JPL's Corona : Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 72 ;
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Lanyard-8001 / KH-6 1
Spacecraft:  OPS 0627
Chronologies: 1963 payload #8 ; 1963 3rd loss ; 263rd spacecraft.
Type: Reconnaissance
Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office
Launch: 18 March 1963 at 21h13 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-3-4, by a Thor-Agena D (Thor 2C 360 / Agena D 1164).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission: A USAF's unidentified satellite launched into polar orbit. This was secund attempt and first successful launching of the improved Thor-Agena booster (TAT), thrust of which was uprated from 77 tons to about 150 tons by addition of three solid-propellant rocket motors to the liquid-fueled motor plant.
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's P11 ; TRW Space Log ; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 98 ;
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Hitchhiker / P-11 1
Spacecraft: 
Chronologies: 1963 payload #9 ; 1963 4th loss ; 264th spacecraft.
Type: Electronic intelligence
Sponsor:
Launch: 18 March 1963 at 21h13 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-3-4, by a Thor-Agena D (Thor 2C 360 / Agena D 1164).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission:
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ;  TRW Space Log ;
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Kosmos 13
Spacecraft:  Zenit-2 No. 9
Chronologies: 1963 payload #10 ; 1963-006A ; 265th spacecraft.
Type: Reconnaissance
Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry
Launch: 21 March 1963 at 8h24 UTC, from Baykonur Cosmodrome's LC-1, by an A-1/"Vostok" (8A92).
Orbit: 235 km x 336 km x 64”58’ x 89.77 min. 
Decayed:
Mission: TASS news agency stated that onboard equipment was “intended for continuing outer space research in conformity with the program announced… March 16,1962,” Cosmos XIII was launched after 89 days of no announced Soviet space flight activity, longest period of space inactivity to date.
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-006A ; TRW Space Log ; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 101 ;
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Discoverer 60 / CORONA 9053 / KH-4
Spacecraft:  OPS 0720
Chronologies: 1963 payload #11 ; 1963-007A ; 266th spacecraft.
Type: Reconnaissance
Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office
Launch: 1st April 1963 at 23h01 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-3-5, by a Thor-Agena D (Thor 376 / Agena D 1160).
Orbit:
Decayed: Launched as an “unidentified satellite’ by USAF.
Mission: Film capsule recovered 3.1 days after launch.
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-007A ; TRW Space Log ; NRO's Corona : JPL's Corona : Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 118 ;
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Luna 4
Spacecraft:  E-6 No. 3
Chronologies: 1963 payload #12 ; 1963-008A ; 267th spacecraft.
Type: Lunar probe
Sponsor: Soviet Union (Korolev's Design Bureau)
Launch: 2 April 1963 at 8h24 UTC, from Baykonur Cosmodrome, by an A-2-e/"Molniya" (8K78L G103-11).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission:  Lunik IV was a 1,422-kg planetayr probe on launched into a  3½-day flight toward the Moon. Mission of the spacecraft  was not disclosed. Following launch, TASS announcement said all onboard equipment was functioning normally, scientific stations in U.S.S.R. were tracking the probe and receiving scientific information from it. “According to data which was already processed, the flight of the automatic station continues along a trajectory which is close to the calculated trajectory.”
     In an irticle published a day aftet the launch in Zzvestia, Soviet geologist Aleksandr Khabakov said that “a soft landing on the Moon of a container with instruments and auxiliary apparatus seems to be technically feasible.”
    On 4 April, Tass announced Lunik IV would pass close to the Moon’s surface, indicating for the first time that the probe would not orbit or land. Speculation was that the probe  might hawe hen planned to soft-land an instrument package on the Moon. Tass said radio communication with the spacecraft vias good and that onboard instruments were functioning normally. 
     On 5 April, as Tass reported  that radio communications with the probe were good, arid telemetry data indicated onboard instruments and systems were functioning normally,  Sir Bernard Lovell, Director of Jodrell Bank Experimental Station (radiotelescope facility), reported signals from Lunik IV ceased abruptly at 22:50 Moscow time. Lovell said there appeared to have been some “complicated maneuvers” with the probe.  In Moscow, two scheduled lectures on Lunik IV flight were canceled by Moscow radio; a television discussion of history of lunar research made only passing reference to Lunik IV. 
     On 6 April, Lunik IV passed within 8,500 km of the Moon and TASS reported. “The experiments and measurements which were conducted by means of the spacecraft are completed. Radio communication with the spacecraft will continue for a few more days.” TASS still did not reveal nature of probe’s mission, bur Sir Bernard Lovell believed the Soviets had failed in an attempt to land instruments on the Moon.
Notes: On 9 April 1963, it was reported that: “LUnik IV was Soviet Union’s third attempt in 1963 to send instrumented payload to the Moon, William Nines reported in Washington Evening Star. He quote a government official - outside of NASA and DoD - as saying: “We are trying to make a record to place before the world. The preparation of this record is now in progress. There has been no official statement to date regarding thing that are up there which we know about and don’t belong to us. But there are such things, and they should be made public- by us, if the Soviets refuse.” NASA and DOD had no comment on any unannounced Soviet space launchings.”
     Counting Luna 4 as the third lunar attempt of 1963 was exact considering the Luna failures of Jan. 4 and Feb 3 unknown in 1963.
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-008A ; TRW Space Log ; Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 120-1, 123, 127, 128-9, 130, 135 ;
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Explorer 17 / AE-A
Spacecraft:  S-6
Chronologies: 1963 payload #13 ; 1963-009A ; 268th spacecraft.
Type: Earth upper atmosphere studies
Sponsor: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Launch: 3 April 1963 at 2h00 UTC, from Cape Canaveral Cosmodrome's LC-17A, by a Delta DM-3B (Thor Delta B 357 / Delta 17).
Orbit: 256 km x 919 km x 57.6° x 96.4 min.
Decayed:
Mission: Explorer XVII (S-6) is a 184-kg scientific satellite which studied  atmospheric structure. The sphere-shaped satellite, measuring 89 cm in diameter, contained instruments (two neutral mass spectrometers, four pressure gauges, and two electrostatic probes) to measure density, composition, ressure, and temperature of the atmosphere; it was equipped to make direct samplings of atmospheric constituents such as helium, nitrogen, and oxygen. Explorer XVII was the first scientific Earth satellite to use new pulse-code-modulation telemetry system, a solid-state system providing output power of 500 milli-watts and capable of supplying 40 separate channels of information in digital form. Useful lifetime of the satellite was estimated at two-three months.
     In its first few days of operation, Explorer XVII satellite had obtained data that more than tripled all previous direct measurements of the neutral gases in Earth’s upper atmosphere. 
Notes: This  launch marks th 16th consecutive Thor-Delta success in 17 attempts.
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-009A ; TRW Space Log ; Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 120, 134 ;
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Transit 5A2
Spacecraft:  Transit VA-2
Chronologies: 1963 payload #14 ; 1963 5th loss ; 269th spacecraft.
Type: Navigation
Sponsor: U.S. Navy
Launch: 5 April 1963 at 3h01 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-D, by a Scout (X-3 S119).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission: It was reported that USAF launched an unidentified satellite with Blue Scout rocket,  but Astronautic and Aerospace Engineering reporrted that USN made second attempt to place opemtional Transit navigational satellite into orbit, and said the spacecraft failed to attain orbit because of malfunction in fourth stage of USM Blue Scout booster.
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's NNNS6302 ; TRW Space Log ; Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 129 ;
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Kosmos
Spacecraft:  DS-P1 No. 2
Chronologies: 1963 payload #15 ; 1963 6th loss ; 270th spacecraft.
Type: Antimissile technologies
Sponsor: Soviet Union Defense ministry
Launch: 6 April 1963 UTC, from Kapustin Yar Cosmodrome's Mayak-2, by a Kosmos B-1 (63S1).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission:
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ;  TRW Space Log ;
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Kosmos 14
Spacecraft: Omega-1 No. 1
Chronologies: 1963 payload #16 ; 1963-010A ; 271st spacecraft.
Type: Technology
Sponsor: Soviet Union
Launch: 13 April 1963 at 11h02 UTC, from Kapustin Yar Cosmodrome's  Mayak-2, by a Kosmos B-1 (63S1).
Orbit: 265 km] x 512 km x 48° 57’ x 92.1 min.
Decayed:
Mission: TASS said Cosmos XIV scientific satellite was carrying equipment “designed to continue the study of outer space
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-010A ; TRW Space Log ; Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 141 ;
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Kosmos 15
Spacecraft:  Zenit-2 No. 8
Chronologies: 1963 payload #17 ; 1963-011A ; 272nd spacecraft.
Type: Reconnaissance
Sponsor: Soviet Union Defense ministry
Launch: 22 April 1963 at 8h24 UTC, from Baykonur Cosmodrome's LC-1, by an A-1/"Vostok" (8A92).
Orbit: 173 km x 317 kin x 65° x 89.77 min. x 
Decayed:
Mission: TASS news agency said taht onboard the satellite was “scientific equipment intended for continuing the space research according to the program announced by Tass on 16 March 1962.”
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-011A ; TRW Space Log ; Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 154 ;
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P-35-4 / DAPP 4
Spacecraft:  OPS 1298 ; Data Acquisition and Processing Program
Chronologies: 1963 payload #18 ; 1963 7th loss ; 273rd spacecraft.
Type: Meteorology
Sponsor: U.S. Air Force
Source : A, Parsch
Launch: 26 April 1963, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-D, by a Scout (Scout X-2M S121).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission: “USAF launched Blue Scout rocket from Pt. Arguello, Calif., with unidentified payload.”
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's NNNS6303 ; TRW Space Log ; Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 163 ;
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Discoverer 61 / CORONA 9055A (ARGON) / KH-4
Spacecraft:  OPS 1008
Chronologies: 1963 payload #19 ; 1963 8th loss ; 274th spacecraft.
Type: Reconnaissance
Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office
Launch: 26 April 1963 at 20h13 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-1-1, by a Thor-Agena D (Thor 372 / Agena D 1411).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission: “USAF launched unidentified satellite from PMR using Thor-Agena vehicle.”
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's NNNS6304 ; TRW Space Log ; NRO's Corona : JPL's Corona : Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 163 ;
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Kosmos 16
Spacecraft:  Zenit-2 No. 10
Chronologies: 1963 payload #20 ; 1963-012A ; 275th spacecraft.
Type: Reconnaissnce
Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry
Launch: 28 April 1963 at 9h36 UTC, from Baykonur Cosmodrome's LC-1, by an A-1/"Vostok" (8A92).
Orbit: 207 km x 401 km x 65°01° x 90.4 min.
Decayed:
Mission: Soviet news agency TASS said the satellite contained “scientific equipment intended to continue the space research in accordance with the program announced… March 16,1962.”
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-012A ; TRW Space Log ; Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 165 ;
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Telstar 2
Spacecraft: 
Chronologies: 1963 payload #21 ; 1963-013A ; 276th spacecraft.
Type: Communications
Sponsor: ATT
Launch: 7 May 1963 at 11h38 UTC, from Cape Canaveral's LC-17B, by a Delta DM-3B (Thor Delta B 366, Delta 18).
Orbit: 972 km x 10,808 km x 42.7° x 225.3 min.
Decayed:
Mission: Telstar II communications satellite included design changes aimed at protecting it from radiation damage which affected lifetime of its predecessor, Telstar I.  With apogee nearly twice that of Telstar I, it would provide longer periods of communications between U.S. and Western Europe than did Telstar I. Like its predecessor, Telstar II was designed and built by AT&T’s Bell Telephone Laboratories at AT&T expense, launched by NASA with AT&T reimbursing NASA for Delta vehicle, launching and tracking services. Initial communications test, TV transmission from Andover, Me., to Goonhilly Downs, England, via the satellits on its fourth orbit, was successful.
Notes: Thor-Delta vehicle boosted the satellite into orbit for its 17th straight success, an unmatched record for U.S. satellite-launching vehicles.
     On 16 July 1963, Telstar II went dead during its 450th orbit, and subsequent efforts to reactivate the satellite by radio signal were not successful. Cause of Telstar II’s failure was not known, but AT&T said that telemetry data had given “no indication that radiation damage has caused the satellite to fail.”
   On 12 August 1963, Telstar II resumed operating for first time since July 16. Satellite received and transmitted sound and television picture test. Cause of the satellite’s restoration, like its silence, was not known.
     Following the assassination of President Kennedy, on 22 November 1963, Telstar II brought live American television to the Soviet Union for the first time in the weekend of reporting on the assassination of President Kennedy and the mourning and funeral that followed. 
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-013A ; TRW Space Log ; Astronautical and Astronautics Events of 1963, p. 184, 274, 305, 450 ;
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Midas 7
Spacecraft: 
Chronologies: 1963 payload #22 ; 1963-014A ; 277th spacecraft.
Type: Missile early warning
Sponsor: U.S. Air Force
Launch: 9 May 1963 at 20h06 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-1-2, by an Atlas-Agena B (Atlas LV-3A 119D / Agena B S01 1206).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission: “Launching of an unidentified satellite by USAF.”
Notes: ON 6 May 1963 testimony before House Armed Services Committee’s Subcommittee on Military Appropriations, Director of Defense Research and Engineering, Dr. Harold Brown, said USAF Midas satellite program had been reoriented and cut back substantially because of technical difficulties. DOD recommendation [243] of cut in Midas funding for FY 1964 was based “on the conclusion that the way the program was going it would never produce a reliable, dependable system.” Midas program had cost $423 million through FY 1963. “Of that, I would say about half has been wasted. Half has been spent on gaining data which are, I think, quite necessary for any system of the kind that we may develop in the future…”
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-014A ; TRW Space Log ; Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 189-90, 242-3 ;
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ERS 5 / TRS 2
Spacecraft: 
Chronologies: 1963 payload #23 ; 1963-014C ; 278th spacecraft.
Type: Technology
Sponsor: U.S. Air Force
Launch: 9 May 1963 at 20h06 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-1-2, by an Atlas-Agena B (Atlas LV-3A 119D / Agena B S01 1206).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission: One of the two 0.7-kg Tetrahedral Research Satellites (TRS) was to measure solar cell radiation damage.
     On 19 September 1963, USAF announced two 0.7 kg Tetrahedral Research Satellites (TRS) had been ejected into orbit from an unidentified orbiting satellite earlier in 1963. Twin satellites were second and third of series; first TRS was launched in 1962. Primary purpose of TRS experiments was investigation of radiation damage to spacecraft solar-power systems and evaluating methods of protecting the solar cells from Van Allen belt radiation. Valuable data obtained by the five radiation-damage experiments in each satellite were transmitted back to Earth and received by NASA Minitrack telemetry network, cooperating with USAF in the project.
Notes:       the difficulties created by the Defense Department's policy of secrecy on military activities in space were illustrated by an Air Force announcement about the launching of two piggyback scientific, satellites.
     The Air Force was permitted to say that the two tiny, pyramid-shaped satellites, each weighing 0.7 kg, had been placed In orbit to make scientific experiments.
     Their main purpose is to investigate the radiation damage to solar power cells and to evaluate various methods of protecting the cells against the energetic particles in the Van Allen radiation belts.
     The Air Force was not permitted to say when the satellites were launched except generally within the “last several months," nor to state their orbits, except that they were somewhere between 1,500 and 5,000 kilometre above the Earth.
     The reason for the secrecy was that the satellites were carried into space aboard a secret military satellite and then kicked free. Defense Department policy prohibits discussion of such military launchings.
     At the same time, Air Force and Defense Department officials conceded that information on the launching and orbital characteristics of the two satellites probably had been supplied to international tracking stations by the space agency and that this information would be supplied to the United Nations for Its Space Registry. (NYT 20 Sep 63)
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-014B ; TRW Space Log ; Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 189-90, 347 ;
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ERS 6 / TRS 3
Spacecraft: 
Chronologies: 1963 payload #24 ; 1963-014D ; 279th spacecraft.
Type: Technology
Sponsor: U.S. Air Force
Launch: 9 May 1963 at 20h06 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-1-2, by an Atlas-Agena B (Atlas LV-3A 119D / Agena B S01 1206).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission: One of the two 0.7-kg Tetrahedral Research Satellites (TRS) was to measure solar cell radiation damage.
     On 19 September 1963, USAF announced two 0.7 kg Tetrahedral Research Satellites (TRS) had been ejected into orbit from an unidentified orbiting satellite earlier in 1963. Twin satellites were second and third of series; first TRS was launched in 1962. Primary purpose of TRS experiments was investigation of radiation damage to spacecraft solar-power systems and evaluating methods of protecting the solar cells from Van Allen belt radiation. Valuable data obtained by the five radiation-damage experiments in each satellite were transmitted back to Earth and received by NASA Minitrack telemetry network, cooperating with USAF in the project.
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-014C ; TRW Space Log ; Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 189-90, 347 ;
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DASH 1
Spacecraft: 
Chronologies: 1963 payload #25 ; 1963-014B ; 280th spacecraft.
Type: Technology
Sponsor: [U.S. Air Force?]
Launch: 9 May 1963 at 20h06 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-1-2, by an  Atlas-Agena B (Atlas LV-3A 119D / Agena B S01 1206).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission:
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-014B ; TRW Space Log ;
 
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Westford 2
Spacecraft:  Westford Needles
Chronologies: 1963 payload #26 ; 1963-014 ; 281st spacecraft.
Type: Communications (technology)
Sponsor: [U.S. Air Force?]
Launch: 9 May 1963 at 20h06 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-1-2, by an Atlas-Agena B (Atlas LV-3A 119D / Agena B S01 1206).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission: The 23-kg Project West Ford satellite was to place a ring of metal fibers in a belt around the Earth for passive communications experiments; experiments were successful and effect of 400 million copper filament belt on radioastronomy was found to be negligible. Natural decay of belt expected as planned.
     On 12 May 1963, radar contact with cupper dipoles confirmed they were successfully ejected into orbit, MIT Lincoln Laborstory announced. Fibers were still in compact cloud circling Earth every 166 min. in near-polar orbit, some 3,000 km high and at approximately 87° to equator.  On May 13, dipoles had begun to spread in elongated cloud. Fibers were expected to spread along circular orbital path, some 65,000 km in circumference, to form ring around Earth. Orbital ring would be used in bouncing radio signals back to Earth over long distances. 
     On 24 May 1963, USAF announced all radio experiments conducted with Project West Ford needles were successful. tests included coast-to-coast radio tests in which signals were bounced off 3,000 km-high cloud. Needles were now stretched over 18,000 km section of polar orbit, lengthening at rate of 1,500 km per day. Scientists expected in six weeks, cloud would lengthen to form closed path about 6,500 km in circumference.
Notes: On 22 January 1963, W. E. Morrow of MIT disclosed that USAF launched in 1962 six tin dipoles into orbit. The [36-cm dipoles were launched to measure effects of solar pressure, air drag, and electrical drag on small objects, so that scientists could predict how long Project West Ford copper dipoles would remain aloft. Morrow said the special tin dipoles were following their predicted orbit and were still orbiting the Earth. 
     USAF predicted Project West Ford’s 250 million copper dipoles to be placed in orbit would have a very short orbiting life, a prediction based on results of six-needle orbital experiment conducted in 1962. The six needles were not affectsd by space electricity, which had been feared would cause needles to shift from their initial orbit and then solar pressure would keep the dipoles in orbit for years.
     On 9 may 1963, USAF announced it would attempt second Project West Ford orbiting belt of 400 million copper filaments “in the near future.” First such attempt, Oct. 21, 1961, was unsuccessful because container failed to eject the needles. MIT Lincoln Laboratory, conducting experiment for USAF, said in fact sheet that “no other communication method suggested to date, by satellite or otherwise, offers comparable reliability, in terms of global coverage with virtually complete invulnerability to destruction or jamming…”
     On 26 March 1964, Space Science Board of National Academy of Sciences concluded that Project West Ford dipoles placed in orbit last year had not interfered with either optical or radioastronomy observations. Board Chairman Dr. H. H. Hess said in report that the board’s conclusion “should not be taken either as an endorsement of the experiment or as tacit agreement to the launching of another similar belt without further discussion.”
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ;  TRW Space Log ; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 22, 73, 180, 189-90, 192-3, 212-3 ; Astronautical Events of 1964, p. 116 ;
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Mercury 9 (MA-9 / Mercury-Atlas 9)
Spacecraft:  Spacecraft No. 20 / Faith 7
Chronologies: 1963 payload #27 ; 1963-015A ; 282nd spacecraft.
Type: Piloted spaceship
Sponsor: NASA
Launch: 15 May 1963 at 13h04 UTC, from Cape Canaveral's LC-14, by an Atlas D (130D).
Orbit: 161 km x 267 km x 32.5°x 88.7 min
Recovered: 16 May 1963
Mission: Mercury-Atlas 9 (MA-9) carried astronaut Leroy Gordon Cooper (Maj., USAF) into Faith 7 capsule during U.S. longest manned space flight to date. Besides participation in flight procedures, astronaut ate, slept, and conducted scientific experiments. Because automatic control system (ACS) failed during 19th orbit, spacecraft was oriented manually during 22nd orbit, retrorockets were fired manually, and re-entry phase was conducted without ACS. Faith 7 landed after 22 orbits three kilometers from U.S.S. Kearaarge near Midway Island in Pacific. 
     Value of trained pilot’s presence in spacecraft was underscored by successful mission achievement despite ACS failure. MA-9 provided biomedical data confirming man can survive and function during prolonged space flight with no ill effects. 
     Experiments during flight included: ejecting from spacecraft in third orbit a 4.5 kg flashing-beacon sphere (testing visibility of objects in space in preparation for future rendezvous maneuvers), which Cooper sighted during fifth and sixth orbits; photographs of zodiacal light nighttime airglow layer; horizon definition experiment, using colored filters in 70-mm. camera; radiation measurement experiment, using Geiger counters mounted on spacecraft exterior and detectors inside spacecraft and inside astronaut’s space suit; tethered balloon experiment (to measure atmospheric drag) which Cooper attempted in sixth orbit but balloon did not deploy; infrared photography for meteorological purposes; television photography, which achieved historic “first” in U.S. manned space flight with direct transmission of TV pictures to tracking stations; cabin environmental temperature study, with cabin coolant valve and fan turned off from orbit #5 until about two hours before re-entry, astronaut relying on space suit for cooling while cabin temperature stabilized at around 36° C; HF antenna tests involving transmissions with antenna horizontally polarized and vertically polarized; ground light experiment, with astronaut observing three-million-candle power xenon light at Bloemfontein, Republic of South Africa; window attenuation experiment, with astronaut viewing calibrated standard light source and stars to evaluate transmission of light through spacecraft window; and white paint patch measurements, investigating changes in paint pigments during re-entry heating. 
     During its 22-orbit flight, MA-9 covered estimated 955,560 km in 34 hrs. 20 min. Nearly 36 years before, Charles Lindbergh’s historic flight from New York to Paris covered 5,800 km in 33 hrs. 30 min.
* * *
     On 29 May 1963, NASA announced problems with two connectors to electrical amplifier in the Mercury spacecraft had caused loss of automatic control system during MA-9 space flight, forcing Astronaut Gordon Cooper to re-enter from orbit with manual control. Premature lighting of .05 g panel light during 19th orbit had indicated that automatic contro system would be inoperative until spacecraft descended to point of feeling.05 g. Then, in final orbit, trouble in inverter caused loss of automatic control system altogether. Post-flight examination of Faith 7 circuitry traced.05 g signal and inverter failure to independent electrical connectors that failed to function due to moisture; in bath cases, electrical insulation of the connectors broke down. Correction of problems for future spacecraft would include tighter control of moisture and increase of insulation of electrical components.
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-015A ; TRW Space Log ; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 195-6, 218-9 ;
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Flashlight
Spacecraft: 
Chronologies: 1963 payload #28 ; 1963-015B ; 283rd spacecraft.
Type: Technology
Sponsor: NASA
Launch: 15 May 1963 at 13h04 UTC, from Cape Canaveral's LC-14, by an Atlas D (130D).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission:
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; TRW Space Log ;
.
Lanyard 8002 / KH-6 2
Spacecraft:  OPS 0924
Chronologies: 1963 payload #29 ; 1963-016A ; 284th spacecraft.
Type: Reconnaissance
Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office
Launch: 18 May 1963 at 22h21 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-3-5, by a Thor-Agena D (Thor 2C 364 / Agena D 1165).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission: “DOD launched unidentified satellite.”
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-016A ; TRW Space Log ; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 202 ;
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Kosmos 17
Spacecraft:  DS-A1 No. 2
Chronologies: 1963 payload #30 ; 1963-017A ; 285th spacecraft.
Type: Military Earth upper atmosphere studies & technologies
Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry
Launch: 22 May 1963 at 3h00 UTC, from Kapustin Yar Cosmodrome's Mayak-2, by a Kosmos B-1 (63S1).
Orbit: 260 km x 785 km x 49°02° x 94.82 min.
Decayed:
Mission: As with previous Cosmos satellites, Tass said scientific equipment “intended for continuing the study of interplanetary space… was mounted on board.”
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-017A ; TRW Space Log ; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 202 ;
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Kosmos 18
Spacecraft:  Zenit-2 No. 11
Chronologies: 1963 payload #31 ; 1963-018A ; 286th spacecraft.
Type: Reconnaisance
Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry
Launch: 24 May 1963 at 10h48 UTC, from Baykonur Cosmodrome's LC-1, by an A-1/"Vostok" (8A92).
Orbit: 209 km x 301 km x 65,01° x 89.44 min.
Decayed:
Mission: “Soviet press agency Tass announced Cosmos XVIII's onboard equipment was functioning normally.” 
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-018A ; TRW Space Log ; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 222 ;
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Kosmos
Spacecraft:  DS-MT No. 1
Chronologies: 1963 payload #32 ; 1963 9th loss ; 287th spacecraft.
Type: Earth/space studies (civil)
Sponsor: Soviet Union
Launch: 1st June 1963 at 2h50 UTC, from Kapustin Yar Cosmodrome's Mayak-2, by a Kosmos B-1 (63S1).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission:
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ;  TRW Space Log ;
.
Discoverer 62 / CORONA 9054 / KH-4
Spacecraft:  OPS 0954
Chronologies: 1963 payload #33 ; 1963-019A ; 288th spacecraft.
Type: Reconnaissance
Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office
Launch: 12 June 1963 at 23h58 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-3-4, by a Thor-Agena D (Thor 2C 362 / Agena D 1161).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission: “USAF launched Thor-Agena D space vehicle with unidentified payload from PMR; launch occurred several hours after another booster exploded.”
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-019A ; TRW Space Log ; NRO's Corona : JPL's Corona : Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 239 ;
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Midas 8
Spacecraft: 
Chronologies: 1963 payload #34 ; 1963 10th loss ; 289th spacecraft.
Type: Missile early warning
Sponsor: U.S. Air Force
Launch: 13 June 1963, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-1-2, by an Atlas-Agena B (Atlas LV-3A 139D / Agena B SPS 1204).
Orbit: n/a
Decayed:
Mission: “Atlas-Agena B launch vehicle exploded shortly after launch from Pt. Arguello, Calif.”
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ;  TRW Space Log ; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 239 ; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 239 ; 
.
TRS 7 / ERS 7
Spacecraft: 
Chronologies: 1963 payload #35 ; 1963 11th loss ; 290th spacecraft.
Type: Technology
Sponsor: U.S. Air Force
Launch: 13 June 1963, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-1-2, by an Atlas-Agena B (Atlas LV-3A 139D / Agena B SPS 1204).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission:
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's ERS7 ; TRW Space Log ; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 239 ;
.
TRS 8
Spacecraft:
Chronologies: 1963 payload #36 ; 1963 12th loss ; 291st spacecraft.
Type: Technology
Sponsor: U.S. Air Force
Launch: 13 June 1963, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-1-2, by an Atlas-Agena B (Atlas LV-3A 139D / Agena B SPS 1204).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission:
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ;  TRW Space Log ; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 239 ;
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Vostok 5
Spacecraft:  Vostok-3A No. 7
Chronologies: 1963 payload #37 ; 1963-020A ; 292nd spacecraft.
Type: Piloted spaceship
Sponsor: Soviet Union (Korolev's Design Bureau)
Launch: 14 June 1963 at 11h59 UTC, from Baykonur Cosmodrome's LC-1, by an A-1/"Vostok" (8K72K).
Orbit: 180 km x 235 km x 64°58” x 88.27 min.
Decayed:
Mission: Vostok V, with Lt. Col. Valery F. Bykovsky onboard. completed 81 Earth orbits, in a record flight of 4 days, 23 hours and 6 minutes. Tass stated objectives of flight were: to continue studies of influence of various factors of space flight on human organism; to conduct extensive biomedical research of conditions of prolonged space flight; and to make further improvements and adjustments in piloting of spacecraft. Cosmonaut Bykovsky landed by parachute in Republic of Kazakhstan, shortly after landing of Cosmonaut Valentina V. Tereshkova and Vostok VI. 
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-020A ; TRW Space Log ; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p.  241 ;
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FTV 1292
Spacecraft:  NRL PL130?
Chronologies: 1963 payload #38 ; 1963-021A ; 293rd spacecraft.
Type: Electronic intelligence
Sponsor: U.S. Air Force & U.S. Navy
Launch: 15 June 1963 at 14h29 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-1-1, by a Thor-Agena D (Thor 378 / Agena D 2353).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission: “USAF launched five satellites - LOFTI IIA, SOLARAD IV, and three unidentified satellites - using one Thor-Agena D launch vehicle.”
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ;  TRW Space Log ; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 242 ;
.
Lofti 2A
Spacecraft: 
Chronologies: 1963 payload #39 ; 1963-021B ; 294th spacecraft.
Type: Communications technology
Sponsor: U.S. Air Force & U.S. Navy
Launch: 15 June 1963 at 14h29 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-1-1, by a Thor-Agena D (Thor 378 / Agena D 2353).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission: “LOFTI IIA was to conduct low frequency communications experiments.”
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-021B ; TRW Space Log ; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 242 ;
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Solrad 6A
Spacecraft:  SR 6A / GRAB
Chronologies: 1963 payload #40 ; 1963-021C ; 295th spacecraft.
Type: Solar radiations studies
Sponsor: U.S. Air Force & U.S. Navy
Launch: 15 June 1963 at 14h29 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-1-1, by a Thor-Agena D (Thor 378 / Agena D 2353).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission: “SOLARAD IV was to measure solar radiation.”
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-021C ; TRW Space Log ; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 242 ;
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Radose 112
Spacecraft: 
Chronologies: 1963 payload #41 ; 1963-021D ; 296th spacecraft.
Type: Radiations studies
Sponsor: U.S. Air Force & U.S. Navy
Launch: 15 June 1963 at 14h29 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-1-1, by a Thor-Agena D (Thor 378 / Agena D 2353).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission: “USAF launched five satellites using one Thor-Agena D launch vehicle.”
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-021D ; TRW Space Log ; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 242 ;
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Ferret 130
Spacecraft: 
Chronologies: 1963 payload #42 ; 1963-021E ; 297th spacecraft.
Type: [Electronic intelligence?]
Sponsor: U.S. Air Force & U.S. Navy
Launch: 15 June 1963 at 14h29 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-1-1, by a Thor-Agena D (Thor 378 / Agena D 2353).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission: “USAF launched five satellites using one Thor-Agena D launch vehicle.”
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; NatiAeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 242 ;onal Space Science Data Center's 1963-021E ; TRW Space Log ;
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Surcal 1C-133
Spacecraft:  Surveillance Calibration
Chronologies: 1963 payload #43 ; 1963-021F ; 298th spacecraft.
Type: "Surveillance calibration" 
Sponsor: U.S. Air Force & U.S. Navy
Launch: 15 June 1963 at 14h29 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-1-1, by a Thor-Agena D (Thor 378 / Agena D 2353).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission: “USAF launched five satellites using one Thor-Agena D launch vehicle.”
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-021F ; TRW Space Log ; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 242 ;
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Transit 5A3
Spacecraft:  Transit VA-3
Chronologies: 1963 payload #44 ; 1963-022A ; 299th spacecraft.
Type: Navigation
Sponsor: U.S. Navy
Launch: 16 June 1963 at 1h49 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-D, by a Scout (X-3 S120).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission: “USAF announced launching of unidentified satellite using Blue Scout booster from Pt. Arguello, Calif.”
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-022A ; TRW Space Log ; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 242 ;
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Vostok 6
Spacecraft:  Vostok-3A No. 8
Chronologies: 1963 payload #45 ; 1963-023A ; 300th spacecraft.
Type: Pilotes spacecraft
Sponsor: Soviet Union (Korolev's Design Bureau)
Launch: 16 June 1963 at 9h30 UTC, from Baykonur Cosmodrome's LC-1, by an A-1/"Vostok" (8K72K).
Orbit: 180 km x 227 km x 89.3 min.
Decayed:
Mission: Flight of Vostok VI with Lt. Valentina V. Tereshkova, first woman in space, conducted by U.S.S.R.  Vostok VI completed 48 Earth orbits in 2 days, 22 hours and 50 minutes. Shortly after entering orbit, Tass reported Lt. Tereshkova estblished radio communications with Lt. Col. Bykovsky in Vostok V; the two cosmonauts then radioed joint message to Premier Khrushchev. Tass stated flight of Vostok VI was being made “to continue the study of the effect of various space-flight factors on the human organism, including a comparative analysis of the impact of these factors on the organism of a man and a woman; to carry out new mdical-biologcal research and to further improve and perfect the systems of piloted spaceships in conditions of simultaneous flight.” During initial orbit Vostok V and VI came within about five km of each other, apparently closest distance achieved. Cosmonaut Tereskkova, whom Tass described as having never piloted an aircraft, landed by parachute in Kazakhstan. After she and Cosmonaut Bykovsky landed, Tass issued statement on flight results: “New valuable data have been obtained about the influence of different factors of a space flight of long duration on the organisms of man and woman. Rich factual material necessary for further perfection of the systems of piloted space ships has been obtained.”
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-023A ; TRW Space Log ; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 244 ;
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Tiros 7
Spacecraft:  Tiros G / A-52
Chronologies: 1963 payload #46 ; 1963-024A ; 301st spacecraft.
Type: Meteorology
Sponsor: NASA
Launch: 19 June 1963 at 9h50 UTC, from Cape Canaveral's LC-17B, by a Delta DM-3B (Thor Delta B 359 / Delta 19).
Orbit: 624 km x 652 km x 58,2° x 97 min.
Decayed:
Mission: TIROS VII (A-52) meteorological satellite carried, in addition to two wide-angle TV cameras, infrared sensors and electron temperature probe. On satellite’s first orbit, ground control obtained direct pictures showing cloud vortex over Newfoundland. Orbiting marked 18th straight successful satellite-orbiting by Thor-Delta launch vehicle.
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-024A ; TRW Space Log ; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 247 ;
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Discoverer 63 / CORONA 9056 / KH-4
Spacecraft:  OPS 0999
Chronologies: 1963 payload #47 ; 1963-025A ; 302nd spacecraft.
Type: Reconnaissance
Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office
Launch: 27 June 1963 at 0h37 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-1-2, by a Thor-Agena D (Thor 2C 381 / Agena D 1166).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission: “USAF launched an unidentified satellite and a hitchhiker radiation monitoring satellite that separated in orbit on July 1, 1963.”
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-025A ; TRW Space Log ; NRO's Corona : JPL's Corona : Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 256 ;
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Hitchhiker 1 / P-11 2
Spacecraft: 
Chronologies: 1963 payload #48 ; 1963-025B ; 303rd spacecraft.
Type: Radiations studies
Sponsor: U.S. Air Force
Launch: 27 June 1963 at 0h37 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-1-2, by a Thor-Agena D (Thor 2C 381 / Agena D 1166).
Orbit: 335 km x 4,132 km x 82° x 208 min.
Decayed:
Mission: “USAF launched an unidentified satellite and a hitchhiker radiation monitoring satellite.” On July 1, 1963, Hitchhiker radiation monitor satellite was ejected and fired kick motor to attain higher apogee. Satellite measuring magnetically trapped electrons and protons of all significant energy levels showed relation between solar flares and low-energy particles in solar plasma. No distinct division between inner and outer Van AIlen belts was found, but instead a gradual transition.
     On 24 July 1963, USAF announced orbiting of a 80-kg Hitchhiker satellite to measure distribution and energies of radiation particles in Earth’s magnetic field and upper atmosphere. Ejectsd from an unidentified satallite, Hitchhiker was propelled by its own engine into elliptical orbit on 1 July 1963.
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-025B ; TRW Space Log ; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 256, 263, 282 ;
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GRS
Spacecraft:  AFCRL A ; Geophysical Research Satellite
Chronologies: 1963 payload #49 ; 1963-026A ; 304th spacecraft.
Type: Geophysics
Sponsor: U.S. Air Force
Launch: 28 June 1963 at 21h19 UTC, from Wallops Island LA-3, by a Scout (X-4 S113).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission: “USAF launched unidentified satellite for geophysics research purposes from NASA Wallops Station, Va., using Scout booster.” On 7  July 1963, USAF announced launching of unidentified satellite June 28; Goddard Space Flight Center Satellite Situation Report listed the satellite as “research satellite for geophysics.” 
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-026A ; TRW Space Log ; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 258, 269 ;
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Ferret 4
Spacecraft:  Program 102 (BK) ; OPS 1440
Chronologies: 1963 payload #50 ; 1963-027A ; 305th spacecraft.
Type: Electronic Intelligence
Sponsor: U.S. Air Force 
Launch: 29 June 1963 at 22h30 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-3-5, by a Thor-Agena B (TA Thor 380 / Agena B 2314).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission: “USAF launched unidentified satellite using Thor-Agena launch vehicle.”
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-027A ; TRW Space Log ; Jonathan McDowell's USAF imaging programs' 9.3.1: SAMOS ; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 258 ;
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Kosmos
Spacecraft:  Zenit-2 No. 12
Chronologies: 1963 payload #51 ; 1963 13th loss ; 306th spacecraft.
Type: Reconnaissance
Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry
Launch: 10 July 1963, from Baykonur Cosmodrome's LC-1, by an A-1/"Vostok" (8A92).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission:
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ;  TRW Space Log ;
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 GAMBIT 1 / Improve Samos 1  / KH-7 1
Spacecraft:  OPS 1467 ; AFP-206 / SV 951
Chronologies: 1963 payload #52 ; 1963-028A ; 307th spacecraft.
Type: Reconnaissance
Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office
Launch: 12 July 1963 at 20h46 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base (Point Arguello)'s LC2-3, by an Atlas-Agena D (Atlas LV-3A 201D / Agena D S01A 4702).
Orbit: 173 km x 211 km x 95.3°
Decayed: 18 July 1963 (after 5,2 days)
Mission: “USAF launched unidentified satellite using Atlas-Agena D. This was the 100th launch of an Agena space vehicle, the first having been launched on February 28, 1959.”
     The first GAMBIT mission was designated 4001. After the photographic phase of the mission was completed, the reentry vehicle separated and came down over the ocean northwest of Hawaii, where it was caught in mid-air by a C-130 aircraft. Its film was then transported to Eastman Kodak in Rochester, New York, where it was processed and copied and then sent to Washington for analysis. Then the engineering phase of the mission began. The Orbital Control Vehicle was separated from the Agena and put through a series of tests to determine its stability and other characteristics. Its performance during these tests is unknown, but it did not totally silence GAMBIT’s skeptics, particularly in the CIA.
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-028A ; TRW Space Log ; Jonathan McDowell's USAF imaging programs' Satellite Summary: KH-7 (Program 206) ; Space Review's 5 Jan 09 ; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 253 ;
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Discoverer 64 / CORONA 9057 / KH-4
Spacecraft:  OPS 1266
Chronologies: 1963 payload #53 ; 1963-029A ; 308th spacecraft.
Type: Reconnaissance
Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office
Launch: 18 July 1963 at 0h00 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-1-1, by a Thor-Agena D (Thor 388 / Agena D 1412).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission: “USAF launched an unidentified satellite from a Thor-Agena D vehicle.’
Notes: On 28 July 1963, USAF reported that more than 70 per cent of satellites launched last year with recovery as goal were actually retrieved; in a more recent series, 88 per cent were recovered. Maj. Gen. Ben I. Funk, AFSSD Commander, said recovering capsules from space has reached “the point where recovery is accomplished on a routine basis.”
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-029A ; TRW Space Log ; NRO's Corona : JPL's Corona :Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 279, 288 ;
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Midas 9
Spacecraft: 
Chronologies: 1963 payload #54 ; 1963-030A ; 309th spacecraft.
Type: Missile early warning
Sponsor: U.S. Air Force
Launch: 18 July 1963 at 3h51 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-1-2, by an Atlas-Agena B (Atlas LV-3A 75D / Agena B S01 1207).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission: “USAF launched three unidentified satellites and a Tetrahedral Research Satellite (TRS) from from an Atlas-Agena B launch vehicle. The 1.5-lb. [0,68 kg] TRS was to measure solar cell radiation damage.”
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-030A ; TRW Space Log ;Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 279 ;
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TRS 10 / ERS 10
Spacecraft:  Environmental Research Satellite
Chronologies: 1963 payload #55 ; 1963-030B ; 310th spacecraft.
Type: Technology
Sponsor: U.S. Air Force
Launch: 18 July 1963 at 3h51 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-1-2, by an Atlas-Agena B (Atlas LV-3A 75D / Agena B S01 1207).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission: “USAF launched three unidentified satellites and a Tetrahedral Research Satellite (TRS) from from an Atlas-Agena B launch vehicle. The 1.5-lb. [0,68 kg] TRS was to measure solar cell radiation damage.”
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-030B ; TRW Space Log ;Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 279 ;
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TRS 9 / ERS 9
Spacecraft:  Environmental Research Satellite
Chronologies: 1963 payload #56 ; 1963-030C ; 311th spacecraft.
Type: Technology
Sponsor: U.S. Air Force
Launch: 18 July 1963 at 3h51 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-1-2, by an Atlas-Agena B (Atlas LV-3A 75D / Agena B S01 1207).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission: “USAF launched three unidentified satellites and a Tetrahedral Research Satellite (TRS) from from an Atlas-Agena B launch vehicle. The 1.5-lb. [0,68 kg] TRS was to measure solar cell radiation damage.”
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-030C ; TRW Space Log ;Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 279 ;
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DASH 2
Spacecraft: 
Chronologies: 1963 payload #57 ; 1963-030D ; 312th spacecraft.
Type: Earth upper atmosphere studies
Sponsor: U.S. Air Force
Launch: 18 July 1963 at 3h51 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-1-2, by an Atlas-Agena B (Atlas LV-3A 75D / Agena B S01 1207).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission: “USAF launched three unidentified satellites and a Tetrahedral Research Satellite (TRS) from from an Atlas-Agena B launch vehicle. The 1.5-lb. [0,68 kg] TRS was to measure solar cell radiation damage.”
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-030D ; TRW Space Log ;Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 279 ;
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Syncom 2
Spacecraft: 
Chronologies: 1963 payload #58 ; 1963-031A ; 313th spacecraft.
Type: Communications (technology)
Sponsor: NASA
Launch: 26 July 1963 at 14h33 UTC, from Cape Canaveral's LC-17A, by a Delta DSV-3B (Thor Delta B 370 / Delta 20).
Orbit: Initial: 1,835 km x 36,300 km
Transit:35,880 km x 36,280 km
Geostatonary:
Decayed:
Mission: Syncom II provide telephone, teletype, and photo facsimile communications between Lakehurst, N.J., and Lagos Harbor, Nigeria.  Following its launch, it ajusted its altitude and speed to near-synchronous (at 10,940 km/hr) to to drift eastward at rate of 7.5° per day. Ground signals would attempt to reverse drifting so that satellite would attain synchronous position over Brazil.  Communications tests duning Syncom II ’s ascent into orbit were successful, including reception and transmission of “The Star Spangled Banner,” a voice message, and a teletype transmission. 
     Syncom II stopped when it reached desired position at 55” west longitude. At this location, it was lowered into precise synchronous orbit, so that it appears to trace elongated figure-8 pattern along 55° meridian to points 33° north and south of the equator.
     On 15 August 1963, Syncom II was successfully maneuvered into synchronous position 55° west longitude, over Brazil and South Atlantic Ocean.  Syncom II was now stationed about 35,880 km altitude and traveling at speed of about 10,950 km/h, matching Earth’s rotation speed of 1,675 km/h at equator to keep it on station. It was hovering in figure-8 pattern 33° north and south of equator. NASA Administrator James E. Webb called completion of the positioning maneuvers the culmination of “one of the outstanding feats in the history of space flight.” 
     On 23 August 1963, Syncom II  relayed its first live telephone conversations, a transmission between President Kennedy and Nigerian Prime Minister, and other messages between U.S., Nigerian, and U.N. officials.
     On 28 August 1963, it was announced that Syncom II had accumulated more message time than all other communications satellites combined.
     On 13 September 1963, Syncom II and Relay I linked Rio de Janeiro and Lagos, Nigeria, in 20-minute voice conversation, first operation employmg both communications satellites in single communications circuit and world’s first three-continent telephone conversation. Signal began from USNS Kingsport in Lagos harbor, then to Syncom II, which sent it to Lakehurst, N.J., ground station, then by overland wire to Nutley, N.J., ground station, then to Relay 1 overhead which sent it to Rio de Janeiro ground station. The conversation’s quality of transmission was declared to be good.
     On 17 March 1964, Syncom II began to drift westward at rate of about 1.3° per day, in order to reach vicinity of the International Date Line in mid-May. There, the satelliteI would serve as backup for Syncom III, sheduled for synchronous orbit over the Pacific in May and transpacific communications experiments during the summer.
     On 23 April 1964, NASA and NBC conducted one-hour test of the Syncom II, testing the satellite’s capability to relay video coverage from Tokyo’s Olympic Games next fall. In the test, signals were transmitted from an antenna at Fort Dix, N.J.; signals returned from the satellite were received at Andover, Me., and relayed to NBC studios by land lines. Quality of the pictures was considered below standard commercial quality but adequate for brief broadcasts of select events. NBC, which had purchased exclusive rights to TV coverage of the 1964 Summer Olympics in the U.S. and Central and South America, would now decide whether to attempt live coverage with satellites or to rely on tapes.
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-031A ; TRW Space Log ; TRW Space Log ; Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 285, 286, 288, 298, 313-4, 322, 326, 334-5, 340 ; Astronautical Events of 1964, p. 105, 146 ;
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Lanyard 8003 / KH-6 3
Spacecraft:  OPS 1370 / KH-6 s/n 8003
Chronologies: 1963 payload #59 ; 1963-032A ; 314th spacecraft.
Type: Reconnaissance
Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office
Launch: 31 July 1963 at 0h00 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-1-2, by a Thor-Agena D (Thor 2C 382 / Agena D 1167).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission: “USAF launched Thor-Agena D with unidentified satellite.”
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-032A ; TRW Space Log ; Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 293 ; 
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Kosmos 19
Spacecraft:  DS-P1 No. 3
Chronologies: 1963 payload #60 ; 1963-033A ; 315th spacecraft.
Type: Antimissile technologies
Sponsor: Soviet Union
Launch: 6 August 1963 at 6h00 UTC, from Kapustin Yar Cosmodrome's Mayak-2, by a Kosmos B-1 (63S1).
Orbit: 270 km x 519 km x 49° x 92.2 min.
Decayed:
Mission: “U.S.S.R. announced Cosmos XIX had been placed in orbit.”
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-033A ; TRW Space Log ; Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 299 ; 
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Kosmos
Spacecraft:  DS-A1 No. 3
Chronologies: 1963 payload #61 ; 1963 14th loss ; 316th spacecraft.
Type: Military Earth upper atmosphere studies & technologies
Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry
Launch: 22 August 1963, from Kapustin Yar Cosmodrome's Mayak-2, by a Kosmos B-1 (63S1).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission:
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ;  TRW Space Log ;
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Discoverer 65 / CORONA 1001 / KH-4A
Spacecraft:  OPS 1419
Chronologies: 1963 payload #62 ; 1963-034A ; 317th spacecraft.
Type: Reconnaissance
Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office
Launch: 25 August 1963 at 0h30 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-3-4, by a Thor-Agena D (Thor 2C  377 / Agena D 1162).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission: “USAF launched unidentified satellite from PMR using Thor-Agena D launch vehicle.”
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-034A ; TRW Space Log ; NRO's Corona : JPL's Corona : Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 324 ; 
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Discoverer 66 / CORONA 9058A / KH-4
Spacecraft:  OPS 1561
Chronologies: 1963 payload #63 ; 1963-035A ; 318th spacecraft.
Type: Reconnaissance
Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office
Launch: 29 August 1963 at 20h31 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-3-5, by a Thor-Agena D (Thor 2A  394 / Agena D 1169).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission: “USAF launched Thor-Agena D booster rocket with two unidentified satellites from Vandenberp AFB,”
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-035A ; TRW Space Log ; NRO's Corona : JPL's Corona : Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 327 ; 
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LAMPO
Spacecraft:  0.1 Square Meter Target
Chronologies: 1963 payload #64 ; 1963-035B ; 319th spacecraft.
Type: Radar monitoring
Sponsor: U.S. Air Force
Launch: 29 August 1963 at 20h31 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-3-5, by a Thor-Agena D (Thor 2A  394 / Agena D 1169).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission: “USAF launched Thor-Agena D booster rocket with two unidentified satellites from Vandenberp AFB,”
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-035B ; TRW Space Log ; Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 327 ; 
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 GAMBIT 2 / Improve Samos 2 / KH-7 2
Spacecraft:  OPS 1947 ; AFP-206 / SV 952
Chronologies: 1963 payload #65 ; 1963-036A ; 320th spacecraft.
Type: Reconnaissance
Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office
Launch: 6 September 1963 at 19h30 UTC, from Vendenberg Air Force Base (Point Arguello)'s LC2-3, by an Atlas-Agena D (Atlas LV-3A 212D / Agena D S01A 4701).
Orbit: 182 km x 270 km x 94.2°
Decayed: 13 September 1963 (7.1 days)
Mission: “USAF launched Atlas-Agena D from Pt. Arguello with unidentified satellite.”
The second GAMBIT spacecraft on mission 4002 was successful.
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-036A ; TRW Space Log ; Jonathan McDowell's USAF imaging programs' Satellite Summary: KH-7 (Program 206) ; Space Review's 5 Jan 09 ;  Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 336 ; 
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Discoverer 67 / CORONA 1002 / KH-4A
Spacecraft:  OPS 1353
Chronologies: 1963 payload #66 ; 1963-037A ; 321st spacecraft.
Type: Reconnaissance
Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office
Launch: 23 September 1963 at 23h00 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-1-2, by a Thor-Agena D (Thor 2C 383 / Agena D 1163).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission: “USAF announced launching unidentified satellite with Thor-Agena D launch vehicle from Vandenberg AFB.” (23 Sept 63) “DOD Iaunched unidentified satellite from PMR employing Thor-Agena D launch vehicle.” (24 Sept 63)
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-037A ; TRW Space Log ; NRO's Corona : JPL's Corona : Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 350, 351 ; 
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P-35-5 / DAPP 5
Spacecraft:  OPS 1610 ; Data Acquisition and Processing Program
Chronologies: 1963 payload #67 ; 1963 15th loss ; 322nd spacecraft.
Type: Meteorology
Sponsor: U.S. Air Force
Source : A, Parsch
Launch: 27 September 1963 at 11h17 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-D, by a Scout (Scout X-2B S132).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission: “USAF launched Scout vehicle from Vandenberg AFB with undisclosed payload.”
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's NNNS6305 ; TRW Space Log ; Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 350, 358 ; 
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Transit 5E 1
Spacecraft:  APL SN 39
Chronologies: 1963  payload #68 ; 1963-038A ; 323rd spacecraft.
Type: Navigation
Sponsor: U.S. Air Force
Launch: 28 September 1963 at 20h22 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-1-1, by a Thor-Able-Star (Thor Ablestar 375 AB013).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission: Unidentified USN satellite placed in orbit with Thor-Able-Star launch vehicle launched from Vandenberg AFB. Satellite was first to be completely powered by nuclear generator - a 12-kg SNAP-5A which will prdduce 25 watts of power continuously for five years. Press sources unofficially identified the satellite as TRANSIT V-B, wighing 73-kg. 
     On 30 September 1963, the Atomic Energy Commission announced that “signals from a Department of Defense Satellite launched recently from Vandenberg AFB, by a Thor-Able-Star missile are being transmitted successffully with electricity from a nuclear power source developed by the AEC.” 
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ;  TRW Space Log ; Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 350, 358, 361 ; 
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Transit 5BN1
Spacecraft:  Transit VE-1 / APL SN-39
Chronologies: 1963 payload #69 ; 1963-038B ; 324th spacecraft.
Type: Navigation
Sponsor: U.S. Air Force
Launch: 28 September 1963 at 20h22 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-1-1, by a Thor-Able-Star (Thor Ablestar 375 AB013).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission: The Navy later disclosed that a second satellite weighing 55 kg had been launched pickaback style along with TRANSIT V-B. This sun-powered satellite carried several radiation detectors and six transistors in a test of means of protecting these devices from radiation damage.
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-038B ; TRW Space Log ; Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 350, 358 ; 
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APL SN 39
Spacecraft:
Chronologies: 1963 payload #70 ; 1963-038C ; 325th spacecraft.
Type: Navigation
Sponsor: U.S. Air Force
Launch: 28 September 1963 at 20h22 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-1-1, by a Thor-Able-Star (Thor Ablestar 375 AB013).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission: On 9 January 1964, USN announced that a solar-powered, 55-kg satellite was launched pickaback along with a previously announced nuclear-powered satellite. On board the solar-powered satellite were six transistors and several radiation detectors, testing means of protecting the transistors from radiation damage.
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-038C ; TRW Space Log ; Astronautical Events of 1964, p. 0 ; 
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Vela Hotel 1 / Vela 1A
Spacecraft: 
Chronologies: 1963 payload #71 ; 1963-039A ; 326th spacecraft.
Type: Nuclear explosion detection
Sponsor: U.S. Air Force
Launch: 17 October 1963 at 2h37 UTC, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's LC-13, by an Atlas-Agena D (Atlas LV-3A 197D / Agena D 1801).
Orbit: Initial: 370 km x 92,000 km
Later cicularized at 92,000 km
Decayed:
Mission: Twin Vela Hotel satellites, designed to detect nuclear explosions m space to a distance of 150 million km, were launched, according to newspaper reports. First, the two crafts were placed mto an elliptical orbit. Some 18 hours after launch, one received a signal which activated a rocket motor at apogee to kick the satellite into circular orbit. On Oct. 19, the same was done for the second satellite, so that both would orbit at 92,000 km but always be on opposite sides of the Earth.
     Two months after their launch, performance of the two nuclear-test detection satellites has been excellent in all respects, DOD announced. The two satellites were performing almost perfectly and their reliability has been excellent. DOD anticipated the satellites would provide data on background radiation and other measurements in space for useful lifetime of more than six months. Success of this initial detection effort “has moved the research program forward by more than one year,” DOD said.
     It was reported on 27 April 1964 that: the “complete success” of Project Vela high-altitude nuclear-detection satellites led DOD’s Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) to expand and revise the project. Future launchings had been rescheduled farther apart so that sabsequent satellites could incorporate any major improvements between launchings, according to ARPA Director Dr. R. L. Sproull. 
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-039A ; TRW Space Log ; Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 390 ; Astronautical Events of 1964, p. 27-8, 153; 
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Vela Hotel 2 / Vela 1B
Spacecraft: 
Chronologies: 1963 payload #72 ; 1963-039B ; 327th spacecraft.
Type: Nuclear explosion detection
Sponsor: U.S. Air Force
Launch: 17 October 1963 at 2h37 UTC, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's LC-13, by an Atlas-Agena D (Atlas LV-3A 197D / Agena D 1801).
Orbit: Initial: 370 km x 92,000 km
Later cicularized at 92,000 km
Decayed:
Mission: Twin Vela Hotel satellites, designed to detect nuclear explosions m space to a distance of 150 million km, were launched, according to newspaper reports. First, the two crafts were placed mto an elliptical orbit. Some 18 hours after launch, one received a signal which activated a rocket motor at apogee to kick the satellite into circular orbit. On Oct. 19, the same was done for the second satellite, so that both would orbit at 92,000 km but always be on opposite sides of the Earth.
     Two months after their launch, performance of the two nuclear-test detection satellites has been excellent in all respects, DOD announced. The two satellites were performing almost perfectly and their reliability has been excellent. DOD anticipated the satellites would provide data on background radiation and other measurements in space for useful lifetime of more than six months. Success of this initial detection effort “has moved the research program forward by more than one year,” DOD said.
     It was reported on 27 April 1964 that: the “complete success” of Project Vela high-altitude nuclear-detection satellites led DOD’s Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) to expand and revise the project. Future launchings had been rescheduled farther apart so that sabsequent satellites could incorporate any major improvements between launchings, according to ARPA Director Dr. R. L. Sproull. 
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-039B; TRW Space Log ; Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 390 ; Astronautical Events of 1964, p. 27-8, 153 ; 
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ERS 12 / TRS 5
Spacecraft: 
Chronologies: 1963 payload #73 ; 1963-039C ; 328th spacecraft.
Type: Technology
Sponsor: U.S. Air Force
Launch: 17 October 1963 at 2h37 UTC, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's LC-13, by an Atlas-Agena D (Atlas LV-3A 197D / Agena D 1801).
Orbit: 370 km x 92,000 km
Decayed: 5 February 1966
Mission: The 1,4-kg Tetrahedral Research Satellite (TRS II) was to measure charged particle intensity in Van Allen belts. Also  known as “Pygmy”, it remained in elliptical orbit returning radiation readings across the depth of the Van Allen Belt.
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-039C ; TRW Space Log; Spacewarn No. 550 ; Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 390, 392 ;
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Kosmos 20
Spacecraft:  Zenit-2 No. 13
Chronologies: 1963 payload #74 ; 1963-040A ; 329th spacecraft.
Type: Reconnaissance
Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry
Launch: 18 October 1963 at 9h30 UTC, from Baykonur Cosmodrome's LC-1, by an A-1/"Vostok" (8A92).
Orbit: 206 km x 311 km x 65° x 89.55 min.
Decayed:
Mission: Cosmos XX was officially  a scientific satellite for “continuing the study of space.” 
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-040A ; TRW Space Log ; Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 393 ;
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Kosmos
Spacecraft: DS-A1 No. 4
Chronologies: 1963 payload #75 ; 1963 16th loss ; 330th spacecraft.
Type: Military Earth upper atmosphere studies & technologies
Sponsor: Soviet Union
Launch: 24 October 1963, from Kapustin Yar Cosmodrome's Mayak-2, by a Kosmos B-1 (63S1).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission:
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ;  TRW Space Log ;
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GAMBIT 3 / Improve Samos 3 / KH-7 3
Spacecraft:  OPS 2196 ; AFP-206 / SV 953
Chronologies: 1963 payload #76 ; 1963-041A ; 331st spacecraft.
Type: Reconnaissance
Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office
Launch: 25 October 1963 at 18h59 UTC, from Point Arguello's LC2-3, by an Atlas-Agena D (Atlas LV-3A 224D / Agena D S01A 4703).
Orbit: 123 km x 313 km x 99.1°
Decayed: 29 October 1963 (4.0 days)
Mission: “DOD launched two unidentified satellites on one Atlas-Agena D launch vehicle.”
     The third GAMBIT mission, number 4003, was also successful. The Agena again remained attached. The film was ejected after the photographic phase and the capsule recovered. The OCV was then put through various tests once the intelligence goals had been achieved.
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-041A ; TRW Space Log ; Jonathan McDowell's USAF imaging programs' Satellite Summary: KH-7 (Program 206) ; Space Review's 5 Jan 09 ;  Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 401 ;
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Subsatellite
Spacecraft: 
Chronologies: 1963 payload #77 ; 1963-041B ; 332nd spacecraft.
Type: Technology?
Sponsor: U.S. Air Force
Launch: 25 October 1963 at 18h59 UTC, from Point Arguello's LC2-3, by an Atlas-Agena D (Atlas LV-3A 224D / Agena D S01A 4703).
Orbit: 123 km x 313 km x 99.1°
Decayed: 29 October 1963 (4.0 days)
Mission: “DOD launched two unidentified satellites on one Atlas-Agena D launch vehicle.” ”On a date not released, DOD launched a pickaback satellite attached to a principal satellite payload boosted by an Atlas-Agena B.”
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ;  National Space Science Data Center's 1963-041B; TRW Space Log ; Jonathan McDowell's USAF imaging programs' Satellite Summary: KH-7 (Program 206) ; Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 401, 499 ;

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Discoverer 68 / CORONA 9059A / KH-5
Spacecraft:  OPS 2437
Chronologies: 1963 payload #78 ; 1963-042A ; 333rd spacecraft.
Type: Reconnaissance
Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office
Launch: 29 October 1963 at 21h19 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-3-4, by a Thor-Agena D (Thor 2C 386 / Agena D 1601).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission: “USAF launched two unidentified satellitm from Vanden'berg AFB, Calif.”
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-042A ; TRW Space Log ; NRO's Corona : JPL's Corona : Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 407 ;
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Hitchhiker 2
Spacecraft:  P-11 No. A3
Chronologies: 1963 payload #79 ; 1963-042B ; 334th spacecraft.
Type: Radar monitoring
Sponsor: U.S. Air Force
Launch: 29 October 1963 at 21h19 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-3-4, by a Thor-Agena D (Thor 2C 386 / Agena D 1601).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission: “USAF launched two unidentified satellitm from Vanden'berg AFB, Calif.”
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-042B ; TRW Space Log ; Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 407 ;
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Poliot 1 (Polet or Polyot)
Spacecraft: I-2B No. 1, Polet meanss 'flight'
Chronologies: 1963 payload #80 ; 1963-043A ; 335th spacecraft.
Type: Technollogy (military)
Sponsor: Soviet Union
Launch: 1st November 1963 at 8h56 UTC, from Baykonur Cosmodrome, by a Polyot (11A59).
Orbit: Initial: 339 km x 592 km x 
Final: 343 km x 1,437 km x 58°55° x 102.5 min.
Decayed:
Mission: Polet I (Flight I) was announced as a new type of maneuverable spacecraft for use in manned orbital rendezvous flight. After what were described as “repeated” changes in altitude and inclination:  the spacecraft on Nov. 2 attained “final orbit”. Premier Nikita Khrushchev announced the launching of Polet I:  “… the present spaceship is really new. While the previous ships placed into orbit made flights mainly in the direction imparted to them when they were launched from Earth, the spacecraft that was lofted today is making wide maneuvers in space, varying the orbital plane and altitude.”  U.S. space experts likened Polet I to the U.S. Gemini spacecraft, scheduled to make its first unmanned flight in late 1963 or early 1964.
      Space expert Vladimir Dobronravov had said that the spacecraft would be used for rendezvous and docking experiments. Tass mentioned the potential for reconnaissance, weather, or communications satellite. M. Litvin-Sedoi said it was a test of a system for construction of an orbiting space platform.  Premier Nikita Khrushchev sait that Polet I had made space rendezvous possible but that “no definite date” had been set for such an experiment.
   Academician Mstislav V. Keldysh, president of the Soviet Academy of Sciences, said:  said: “Maneuverable spacecraft will permit us to execute a landing from any orbit to a given ‘kosmodrom’; carry out a meeting in space of ships which are flying in different orbits; and also allow astronauts to select the most advantageous landing area. The ability of a ship to maneuver will make it possible for us to create heavy orbital scientific research stations in space so that we can exchange crews, replace scientific equipment and maintain a continuous supply of all that is necessary…
     U.S. tracking data on the Russian Polet I maneuverable spacecraft substantiated the Russian claim of change in apogee but indicated that any substantial change in plane had to be made before completion of the first orbit. According to Aviation Week, NORAD's initial orbital plane for the Russian satellite was 59.99", later revised to 58.89". Whether this 1.1° change was a result of a satellite maneuver or was merely a refinement of earlier data is uncertain.
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-043A ; TRW Space Log ; Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 413, 418, 42102, 423, 428, 429 ;
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Discoverer 69 / CORONA 9060 / KH-4
Spacecraft:  OPS 2268
Chronologies: 1963 payload #81 ; 1963 17th loss ; 336th spacecraft.
Type: Reconnaissance
Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office
Launch: 9 November 1963 at 20h27UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-1-2, by a Thor-Agena D (Thor 2A 400 / Agena D 1171).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission: “USAF launched an unidentified satellite from Vandenberg AFB, Calif., on board a Thor-Agena booster.”
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's NNNS6306 ; TRW Space Log ; NRO's Corona : JPL's Corona ; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 427 :
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Kosmos 21
Spacecraft:  3MV-1 No. 1
Chronologies: 1963 payload #82 ; 1963-044A ; 337th spacecraft.
Type: Venus probe
Sponsor: Soviet Union (Korolev's Design Bureau)
Launch: 11 November 1963 at 6h23 UTC, from Baykonur Cosmodrome's LC-1, by an A-2-e/"Molniya" (8K78).
Orbit: 195 km x 229 km x 64°50’ x 88.5 min
Decayed:
Mission: Cosmos XXI was officially  “intended for continued space research.”
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-044A ; TRW Space Log ; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 428 :
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Kosmos 22
Spacecraft:  Zenit-4 No. 1
Chronologies: 1963 payload #83 ; 1963-045A ; 338th spacecraft.
Type: Reconnaissance
Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry
Launch: 16 November 1963 at 10h48 UTC, from Baykonur Cosmodrome, by an A-2/"Voskhod" (11A57).
Orbit: 205 km x 394 km x 64°56‘ x 90.3 min.
Decayed:
Mission:
Source: Jonathan McDowell'sMaster List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-045A ; TRW Space Log ; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 434 :
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Explorer 18 / IMP A
Spacecraft:  Interplanetary Monitoring Program
Chronologies: 1963 payload #84 ; 1963-046A ; 339th spacecraft.
Type: Radiations studies
Sponsor: NASA
Launch: 27 November 1963 at 2h30 UTC, from Cape Canaveral's LC-17B, by a Delta DSV-3C (Thor Delta C 387 / Delta 21).
Orbit: 190 km] x 197,600 km x 33.3° x 4 days
Decayed:
Mission: Explorer XVIII, the Interplanetery Monitoring Probe (IMP) is essentialy a continuation of the series of energetic particle spacecraft and similar in design and in some experiments to the earlier Explorer XII, Explorer XIV, and Explorer XV, Onboard instrumentation includes two magnetometers, three plasma probes, and five sets of low and medium energy particle detectors.  its 16 kg of instruments would measure the major magnetic field phenomena in space, including the interplanetary magnetic field, interactions of the streaming solar plasma and the geomagnetic field, galactic and solar radiation.
     IMP data revealed a shock wave existed 86,250 km above Earth’s sunlit surface, formed by interaction of interplanetary magnetic field and high-speed constant wind of particles from the sun. Between shock wave and upper edge of Van Allen belts, a region ranging in depth from 20 000 to 32,000 km, there is great turbulence; moderately energetic particles constantly flow into the region and drain away.
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-046A; TRW Space Log ; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 450 : Astronautical Events of 1964, p. 103 ;
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AC-2 / Atlas-Centaur 2
Spacecraft: 
Chronologies: 1963 payload #85 ; 1963-047A ; 340th spacecraft.
Type: Technology
Sponsor: NASA
Launch: 27 November 1963 at 19h03 UTC, from Cape Canaveral's LC-36A, by an Atlas-Centaur (Atlas LV-3C AC-2 / Centaur D 126D).
Orbit: 550 km x 1,690 km x 30° x 108 min.
Decayed:
Mission: AC-2 marks the first successful Atlas-Centaur space booster,  “the world’s first successful flight of a hydrogen-oxygen rocket.” The booster performed perfectly and the Centaur second stage ignited its liquid-hydrogen engines in space and went into orbit as the heaviest object (4,750 kg) yet orbited by the U.S. Although another six flights remained before the Centaur could be considered operational, this first successful flight of the high-energy liquid hydrogen-liquid oxygen booster was a major landmark in a development program dogged with delays and disappointmeiits. 
Notes: On 2 December 1963, Rep. George P. Miller (D.-Calif.), Chairman of House Committee on Science and Astronautics, reviewed Centaur development in speech on the House floor: “… Centaur began as a low-priority, financially austere feasibility study, in competition with high-priority defense programs. As its importance to the national space effort became more apparent, its terms of reference were changed; and, as time passed, its inherent technical difliculties came to the surface; tecnnical dficulties, I might add, that we have learned to expect in most new programs. 
     “Certainly, the original flight schedule of Centaur was overly optimistic. Hindsight also tells us thak the complexity of the program was greatly undemsthted…”
     Referring to press articles charging $100 million was wasted in Centaur program, based on GAO mvestigative report, Rep. Miller painted out: “That report was misinterpreted by the press, and a closer look. at it will reveal that no such conclusion was drawn by the Comptroller General. $100 million waste included $76 million reportedly lost in the Advent project, the military communications satellite project… 
     “While there can be no doubt that certain program incurred losses because of the unavailability of Centaur on schedule, it is incorrect and unfair to attribute the entire unrecoverable loss associated with the Advent program to Centaur, as the press apparently did. Suffice it to say that the Advent project had its own severe management and technical difficulties which led to its cancellation in June 1962.” 
     He called the Nov. 27 flight test of AC-2 “a signiikant advance in the development of a new technology upon which much of America’s future space effort depends…”
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-047A ; TRW Space Log ; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 451, 458 :
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Discoverer 70 / CORONA 9061 / KH-4
Spacecraft:  OPS 2260
Chronologies: 1963 payload #86 ; 1963-048A ; 341st spacecraft.
Type: Reconnaissance
Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office
Launch: 27 November 1963 at 21h15 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-1-1, by a Thor-Agena D (Thor 2A 406 / Agena D 1172).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission: “USAF launched a Thor-Agena D booster carrying an unidentified satellite.”
Notes U.S. is recovering more than three of every four satellites launched in its orbit-recovery program, according to Maj. Gen. Benjamin I. Funk, AFSSD Commander: “In the recovery of satellites from orbit, we achieved a 75 per cent success record last year, and this rate has since improved even more.”
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-048A ; TRW Space Log ; NRO's Corona : JPL's Corona : Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 452, 466 :
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Kosmos
Spacecraft:  Zenit-2 No. 14
Chronologies: 1963 payload #87 ; 1963 18th loss ; 342nd spacecraft.
Type: Reconnaissance
Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry
Launch: 28 November 1963, from Baykonur Cosmodrome's LC-1, by an A-1/"Vostok" (8A92).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission:
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ;  TRW Space Log ;
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"Unidentified"
Spacecraft: 
Chronologies: 1963 payload #88 ; 1963-049A ; 343rd spacecraft.
Type: [?]
Sponsor: U.S. Navy
Launch: 5 December 1963 at 21h51 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-1-1, by a Thor-Able-Star (Thor Able-Star 385 AB015).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission:
Notes: On 6 December 1963, AEC announced second U.S. satellite wholly powered by nuclear energy was launched into orbit recently by a Thor-Able-Star booster from Vandenberg AFB, and signals from the satellite were being transmitted sucessfully with electricity from the Snap-9A isotopic power generator. Desiped to provide 25 watts of direct eiectricai current, the Snap-9A was the same type of generator as that providing power for a satellite launched from Vandenberg earlier this year. The two Snap-9A’s are designed for operating lifetime of five years. However, they are in orbits of at least 900 years so that by the time they re-enter Earth’s atmosphere, they will be almost completely decayed. At that time, they are designed to burn into minute particles which will be widely dispersed in the atmosphere, thus increasing radioactivity in the atmosphere negligibly.
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ;  TRW Space Log ; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 467 :
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Transit 5BN2
Spacecraft:  Transit VBN-2
Chronologies: 1963 payload #89 ; 1963-049B ; 344th spacecraft.
Type: Navigation
Sponsor: U.S. Navy
Launch: 5 December 1963 at 21h51 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-1-1, by a Thor-Able-Star (Thor Ablestar 385 AB015).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission: ”USAF launched two unidentified satellites using Thor-Able-Star launch vehicle from Vandenberg AFB. ”
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-049B ; TRW Space Log ; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 464 :
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Transit 5E 3
Spacecraft:  Transit VE-3
Chronologies: 1963 payload #90 ; 1963-049C ; 345th spacecraft.
Type: Navigation
Sponsor: U.S. Navy
Launch: 5 December 1963 at 21h51 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-1-1, by a Thor-Able-Star (Thor Ablestar 385 AB015).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission: ”USAF launched two unidentified satellites using Thor-Able-Star launch vehicle from Vandenberg AFB. ”
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-049C ; TRW Space Log ; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 464 :
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Kosmos 23
Spacecraft: Omega-1 No. 2
Chronologies: 1963 payload #91 ; 1963-050A ; 346th spacecraft.
Type: Technology
Sponsor: Soviet Union
Launch: 13 December 1963 at 13h55 UTC, from Kapustin Yar Cosmodrome's Mayak-2, by a Kosmos B-1 (63S1).
Orbit: 240 km x 613 km x 49° x 92.9 min.
Decayed: 26 March 1964
Mission: Kosmos 23 was reportedly said to carry “scientific instrumentation for continuing the study of outer space in accordance with March 16, 1962, TASS announcement.”  TASS said onbarrd equipment was functioning normally.
     On 26 March 1964, Cosmos XXIII burned up in the atmosphere between the Great Lakes and the northeastern Canadian coast, according to NORAD. Observers in Pendleton, Ore., and Duluth, Minn., reported seeing fiery streak in the sky, and Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory officials at Cambridge, Mass., said they assumed the streak was the reenterinn satellite.
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-050A ; TRW Space Log ; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 477 : Astronautical Events of 1964, p. 116 ;
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GAMBIT 4 / Improve Samos 4 / KH-7 4
Spacecraft:  OPS 2372 ; OPS 2372 / AFP-206  SV 954
Chronologies: 1963 payload #92 ; 1963-051A ; 347th spacecraft.
Type: Reconnaissance
Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office
Launch: 18 December 1963 at 21h45 UTC, from Point Arguello's LC2-3, by an Atlas-Agena D (Atlas LV-3A 227D / Agena D S01A 4802).
Orbit: 126 km x 271 km x 97.9° 
Decayed: 20 December 1963 (1.3 d)
Mission: ”USAF launched an Atlas-Agena D booster rocket combination launched an unidentified satellite. ”
On GAMBIT mission 4004, for the first time, the OCV and its payload detached from the Agena to conduct the photographic phase of the mission. It was successful, and the capsule was recovered the next day.
Notes: In the December 8, 1963 Washinton Post, Howard Simons reviewed reconnaissance satellites, regerring to previously released information and statements regarding a so-called “Samos” project, and inferring that “Samos” satellites were now operational.
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-051A ; TRW Space Log ;  Jonathan McDowell's USAF imaging programs' Satellite Summary: KH-7 (Program 206) ; Space Review's 5 Jan 09 ; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 471, 486 : 
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Kosmos 24
Spacecraft:  Zenit-2 No. 15
Chronologies: 1963 payload #93 ; 1963-052A ; 348th spacecraft.
Type: Reconnaissance
Sponsor: Soviet Union's Defense ministry
Launch: 19 December 1963 at 09h29 UTC, from Baykonur Cosmodrome's LC-1, by an A-1/"Vostok" (8A92).
Orbit: 211 km x 409 km x 65° x 90.5 min.
Decayed:
Mission: Tass said the satellite carried scientific instrumentation for “continuing the study of outer space” in ampdance with program announced March 16, 1962, and the onboard equiment was functionin normauy.
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-052A ; TRW Space Log ; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 487 :
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Explorer 19 / AD-A
Spacecraft:
Chronologies: 1963 payload #94 ; 1963-053A ; 349th spacecraft.
Type: Earth upper atmosphere studies
Sponsor: NASA
Launch: 19 December 1963 at 18h49 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-D, by a Scout IX-4 S122R).
Orbit: 621 km x 2,394 km x78.62° x 115.8 min.
Decayed:
Mission: Explorer XIX is a 8.0-kg polka-dot balloon satellite that, like Explorer IX, is an atmospheric density satellite. Because of its large surface area and very low mass, such a satellite is very sensitive to fluctuations in density in the upper atmosphere. These changes, largely caused by variations in solar radiation, can be measured by fluctuations in the satellite’s orbit. Explorer XIX was launched into polar orbit and, when tracked by NASA and the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory for a good portion of an 11-yr. solar cycle, should provide atmospheric density data on the Earth’s high latitudes comparable to those provided by Explorer IX for the lower latitudes. Apogee was lower than planned and resulted in an orbital period almost six minutes less than planned. This, plus a very weak signal from the tracking beacon on the satellite, caused several days’ delay in confirming satellite inflation and in defining the orbital data.
Notes: The satellite was placed in orbit by a new fourth stage (X-258) of the Scout booster.
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-053A; TRW Space Log ; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 486-7 :
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Tiros 8
Spacecraft:  Tiros H / A-53
Chronologies: 1963 payload #95 ; 1963-054A ; 350th spacecraft.
Type: Meteorology
Sponsor: NASA
Launch: 21 December 1963 at 9h30 UTC, from Cape Canaveral's LC-17B, by a Delta DSV-3B (Thor Delta B 371 / Delta 22).
Orbit: 763 km x 963 km x 58.49° x 99.3 min.
Decayed:
Mission: TIROS VIIi (A-53) is a meteorological satellite. In addition to the usual wide-angle TV camera transmitting cloud-cover pictures once an orbit to a rather sophisticated ground station, featured the first orbiting of the automatic picture transmission system (APT), designed to provide real-time local weather information to any area in the world by means of a simple, inexpensive ($32,000) ground station. APT equipment in the satellite was a 11-kg package including a new wide-angle (108’) Tegea-lens TV camera, with its storage and slow-scan transmission system. Preliminary results from the new system were excellent.
     NASA announced on 7 March 1964 that TIROS VIII was performing highly successfully in automatic transmission of cloud pictures to ground stations around the world. “Reports from 47 ground stations around the world, including five foreign stations, show that with one exception results have been satisfactory. TV signal strength has been good, tracking of the spacecraft based on data furnished daily by NASA has been easy for the ground stations, and picture contrast of the cloud cover photos generally has been excellent.”
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-054A ; TRW Space Log ; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 489 : Astronautical Events of 1964, p. 100 ;
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Discoverer 71 / CORONA 9062 / KH-4
Spacecraft: OPS 1388
Chronologies: 1963 payload #96 ; 1963-055A ; 351st spacecraft.
Type: Reconnaissance
Sponsor: U.S. National Reconnaissance Office
Launch: 21 December 1963 at 21h45 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-1-2, by a Thor-Agena D (Thor 2C 398 / Agena D 1168).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission: ”USAF launched Thor-Agena D booster rocket with unidentified satellite from Vandenberg AFB, Calif.”
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-055A ; TRW Space Log ; NRO's Corona : JPL's Corona : Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 489 :
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Hitchhiker 3 / P-11 A3
Spacecraft:  P-11 No. A4
Chronologies: 1963 payload #97 ; 1963-055B ; 352nd spacecraft.
Type: Radar monitoring
Sponsor: U.S. Air Force
Launch: 21 December 1963 at 21h45 UTC, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's LC-75-1-2, by a Thor-Agena D (Thor 2C 398 / Agena D 1168).
Orbit:
Decayed:
Mission: ”On a date not released, DOD launched a pickaback satellite attached to a principal satellite payload boosted by Thor-Agena D.”
Source: Jonathan McDowell's Master List ; Mark Wade’s Encyclopedia Astronautica ; National Space Science Data Center's 1963-055B ; TRW Space Log ; Aeronautical and Astronautical Events of 1963, p. 489 :

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