SAMOS 1 was launched on 1960 Oct 11 but an Agena failure meant it did not reach orbit. The Atlas guidance system failed but the Atlas flew successfully. However, at launch an Agena umbilical failed to separate cleanly and the nitrogen attitude control gas leaked out, so that Agena could not be stabilized after separation and fired in the wrong direction.
The payload had a mass of 1860 kg including the Agena. It was probably a Program 101 flight and carried the E-1 camera Component Test Payload and F-1 ferret research and development test payload.
| SAMOS 1 | |||
| Date | Time | Event | Orbit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 Oct 11 | 2033 | Launch by Atlas Agena A | Point Arguello |
| 2035 | BECO (T+2:30) | ||
| 2036 | SECO (T+3:48) | ||
| 2037 | VECO (T+4:08) | ||
| 2037 | Atlas sep (T+4:09) | ||
| 2041 | Agena burn (T+8:26) | ||
| 2043 | Agena MECO (T+10:29) | ||
| Agena impact Pacific | |||