Explorer 3

American military research satellite. Explorer 3 was launched on March 26, 1958 aboard a Jupiter C from Cape Canaveral & Kennedy. Latest status in GCAT: reentered attached to another object (Jun 28, 1958).

COSPAR 1958 GAMNORAD 6United States

Identity

Name in GCAT: Explorer III
Common name: Explorer 3
Payload designation: Explorer 3
Other names: :UA,:UB
International designator: 1958 GAM
NORAD catalog number: 6
GCAT identifier: S00006

Mission

Mission type: Space science
Use: Civil government
Program: Explorer ABMA
Owner: ABMA
Country: United States
Builder: Jet Propulsion Lab
Platform (bus): Explorer

Launch

Date: March 26, 1958 · 17:38 UTC
Launch record: 1958 GAMSuccess
Rocket: Jupiter C
Spaceport: Cape Canaveral & Kennedy · pad LC5

Orbit and fate

Orbit class (GCAT): LEO/I
Perigee: 195 km
Apogee: 2,810 km
Inclination: 33.38°
Status: Reentered attached to another object
Status date: June 28, 1958
Last known active: May 10, 1958
End of operations: May 10, 1958

Size

Mass: 8 kg
Dry mass: 8 kg
Total mass with attached objects: 14 kg
Length: 0.8 m
Diameter: 0.10 m
Span: 0.8 m

Source: GCAT payload, deep-space and lander catalogs, Jonathan C. McDowell (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata Q550613 (CC0).