ANNA 1A (Army, Navy, NASA, Air Force) was the first dedicated satellite for geodesy. It featured Xenon flashing lights and radio transponders (SECOR) for tracking the satellite. May 10, 1962 at 12:06 UTC · Launch Failure Thor DM-21 Ablestar — United States Air Force, to Low Earth Orbit Space Launch Complex 17B, Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA The world's 164th orbital launch attempt, and 22nd of 1962. Data: Launch Library 2, The Space Devs. Image via The Space Devs.