// astronomy · 1979

Ariel 6

Astronomical research satellite. Ariel 6 was launched on June 2, 1979 aboard a Scout D-1 from Wallops. Latest status in GCAT: reentered (orbital decay) (Sep 23, 1990).

COSPAR 1979-047ANORAD 11382United Kingdom

Identity

Name in GCAT: Ariel 6
Payload designation: UK 6
International designator: 1979-047A
NORAD catalog number: 11382
GCAT identifier: S11382
UN registration: A/AC.105/INF.384

Mission

Mission type: Astronomy
Use: Civil government
Program: UK
Owner: SRC
Country: United Kingdom
Builder: Marconi
Platform (bus): UK 6

Launch

Date: June 2, 1979 · 23:26 UTC
Launch record: 1979-047Success
Rocket: Scout D-1
Spaceport: Wallops · pad LA3A

Orbit and fate

Orbit class (GCAT): LEO/I
Perigee: 599 km
Apogee: 653 km
Inclination: 55.03°
Status: Reentered (orbital decay)
Status date: September 23, 1990
Last known active: Feb 24, 1982
End of operations: Feb 24, 1982

Size

Mass: 154 kg
Dry mass: 154 kg
Length: 1.3 m
Diameter: 0.70 m
Span: 2.7 m

Source: GCAT payload, deep-space and lander catalogs, Jonathan C. McDowell (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata Q507511 (CC0).