Orbiting Vehicle 1–16 (also known as OV1-16,[1] LOADS1 (Low Altitude Density Satellite 1), and Cannonball 1),[3] was launched 11 July 1968 via Atlas F side-by-side with OV1-15.

The Orbiting Vehicle satellite program arose from a US Air Force initiative, begun in the early 1960s, to reduce the expense of space research.

General Dynamics received a $2 million contract on 13 September 1963 to build a new version of the SPP (called the Atlas Retained Structure (ARS)) that would carry a self-orbiting satellite.

Once the Atlas missile and ARS reached apogee, the satellite inside would be deployed and thrust itself into orbit.

However, in 1964, the Air Force transferred ABRES launches to the Western Test Range causing a year's delay for the program.

[3] The battery-powered satellite carried no onboard tape recorder, instead transmitting to 12 ground stations when in range.

[3] The instrument calculated air density by measuring the electrostatic force required to restrain a hollow cylindrical mass as the satellite experienced wind drag.

[6] The findings of OV1-15 and 16 quickly led to refined models of the upper atmosphere of immediate use to the Air Force and the Department of Defense.