The GEOS 1 (Geodetic Earth Orbiting Satellite) spacecraft was a gravity-gradient-stabilized, solar-cell powered unit designed exclusively for geodetic studies. November 6, 1965 at 18:38 UTC · Launch Successful Thor Delta E — United States Air Force, to Low Earth Orbit Space Launch Complex 17A, Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA The world's 493rd orbital launch attempt, and 100th of 1965. Data: Launch Library 2, The Space Devs. Image by NASA (NASA Image and Media Guidelines) via The Space Devs.