Explorer S-45 (satellite)

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Explorer S-45
S-45 1.jpg
Explorer S-45 satellite before launch
NamesExplorer S-45
NASA S-45
Mission typeIonospheric research
OperatorNASA
COSPAR IDEXS-451
Mission duration
Spacecraft properties
SpacecraftExplorer S-45
Spacecraft typeScience Explorer
BusS-45
ManufacturerGoddard Space Flight Center
Launch mass33.6 kg (74 lb)
PowerSolar cells and batteries
Start of mission
Launch date25 February 1961,
00:13:16 GMT
RocketJuno II (AM-19F)
Launch siteCape Canaveral, LC-26B
ContractorArmy Ballistic Missile Agency
End of mission
Destroyed
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric orbit (planned)
RegimeHighly elliptical orbit
Perigee altitude221 km (137 mi)
Apogee altitude181,100 km (112,500 mi)
Inclination33.0°
Period5013.90 minutes
Instruments
Beacon
Explorer program
 

Explorer S-45 was a NASA satellite, which was lost in a launch failure in February 1961. The satellite was intended to operate in a highly elliptical orbit, from which it was to have provided data on the shape of the ionosphere,[1] and on the Earth's magnetic field.[2] It was part of the Explorer program, and would have been designated Explorer 10 had it reached orbit. A second identical satellite, Explorer S-45A, also failed to achieve orbit when it was launched.[2]

Launch[]

Explorer S-45 was launched aboard a Juno II launch vehicle, serial number AM-19F. The launch took place from Launch Complex 26B at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS) at 00:13:16 GMT on 25 February 1961.[3] The launch vehicle malfunctioned after the second stage separated, and contact with the payload was lost.[4] The third stages subsequently failed to ignite, resulting in the satellite failing to achieve orbit.[5]

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ "Explorer S-45". NASA. 28 October 2021. Retrieved 3 November 2021. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  2. ^ a b Wade, Mark. "P-14". Encyclopedia Astronautica. Archived from the original on 13 June 2010. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
  3. ^ McDowell, Jonathan (21 July 2021). "Launch Log". Jonathan's Space Report. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
  4. ^ "S-45 (Explorer (10), (12))". Gunter's Space Page. 8 April 2020. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
  5. ^ "Explorer Program". Mission and Spacecraft Library JPL. NASA / JPL. Archived from the original on 27 January 2008. Retrieved 4 November 2021. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
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