// space science · 1967

Ariel 3

Atmospheric research satellite. Ariel 3 was launched on May 5, 1967 aboard a Scout A from Vandenberg. Latest status in GCAT: reentered (orbital decay) (Dec 14, 1970).

COSPAR 1967-042ANORAD 2773United Kingdom

Identity

Name in GCAT: Ariel 3
Payload designation: UK 3
Other names: UK-E:P
International designator: 1967-042A
NORAD catalog number: 2773
GCAT identifier: S02773
UN registration: A/AC.105/INF.174

Mission

Mission type: Space science
Use: Civil government
Program: UK
Owner: SRC
Country: United Kingdom
Builder: Royal Aircraft Establishment
Platform (bus): UK-E

Launch

Date: May 5, 1967 · 16:00 UTC
Launch record: 1967-042Success
Rocket: Scout A
Spaceport: Vandenberg · pad SLC5

Orbit and fate

Orbit class (GCAT): LLEO/I
Perigee: 496 km
Apogee: 600 km
Inclination: 80.17°
Status: Reentered (orbital decay)
Status date: December 14, 1970
Last known active: September 1969
End of operations: September 1969

Size

Mass: 90 kg
Dry mass: 90 kg
Length: 0.8 m
Diameter: 0.70 m
Span: 3.2 m

Source: GCAT payload, deep-space and lander catalogs, Jonathan C. McDowell (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata Q795233 (CC0).