Explorer 4

American research satellite launched in 1958. Explorer 4 was launched on July 26, 1958 aboard a Jupiter C from Cape Canaveral & Kennedy. Latest status in GCAT: reentered attached to another object (Oct 23, 1959).

COSPAR 1958 EPSNORAD 9United States

Identity

Name in GCAT: Explorer IV
Common name: Explorer 4
Payload designation: Explorer 4
Other names: :UA,:UB
International designator: 1958 EPS
NORAD catalog number: 9
GCAT identifier: S00009

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: July 26, 1958 · 15:00 UTC
Launch record: 1958 EPSSuccess
Rocket: Jupiter C
Spaceport: Cape Canaveral & Kennedy · pad LC5

Orbit and fate

Orbit class (GCAT): LEO/I
Perigee: 258 km
Apogee: 2,233 km
Inclination: 50.40°
Status: Reentered attached to another object
Status date: October 23, 1959
Last known active: Sep 19, 1958
End of operations: Sep 19, 1958

Size

Mass: 12 kg
Dry mass: 12 kg
Total mass with attached objects: 17 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 Q370053 (CC0).