Transit Research and Attitude Control ( TRAAC ) satellite was launched by the U. S. Navy from Cape Canaveral along with Transit 4B on November 15 , 1961 . The 109 kg satellite was used to test the feasibility of using gravity-gradient stabilization in Transit navigational satellites . It provided information on the effects of radiation from nuclear explosions in space , as it was one of several satellites whose detectors provided data for the Starfish Prime test ; ultimately its solar cells were damaged by the radiation and it ceased operation . It was among several satellites which were inadvertently damaged or destroyed by the Starfish Prime high-altitude nuclear test on July 9 , 1962 and subsequent radiation belt . It is expected to orbit for 800 years at an altitude of about
Starfish Prime
Starfish Prime
Transit Research and Attitude Control