Explorer 6

NASA earth science satellite launched in 1959. Explorer 6 was launched on August 7, 1959 aboard a Thor Able III from Cape Canaveral & Kennedy. Latest status in GCAT: reentered (orbital decay) (Jul 1, 1961).

COSPAR 1959 DEL 1NORAD 15United States

Identity

Name in GCAT: Explorer VI
Common name: Explorer 6
Payload designation: Able III?
Other names: :UA,:UC,NASA S-2:NA2
International designator: 1959 DEL 1
NORAD catalog number: 15
GCAT identifier: S00015

Mission

Mission type: Space science
Use: Civil government
Program: ExplorerG
Owner: GSFC
Country: United States
Builder: TRW Inc.
Platform (bus): Able Probe

Launch

Date: August 7, 1959 · 14:24 UTC
Launch record: 1959 DELSuccess
Rocket: Thor Able III
Spaceport: Cape Canaveral & Kennedy · pad LC17A

Orbit and fate

Orbit class (GCAT): HEO
Perigee: 250 km
Apogee: 42,327 km
Inclination: 46.95°
Status: Reentered (orbital decay)
Status date: July 1, 1961
Last known active: Oct 6, 1959
End of operations: Oct 6, 1959

Size

Mass: 40 kg
Dry mass: 40 kg
Total mass with attached objects: 42 kg
Length: 0.7 m
Diameter: 0.70 m
Span: 2.2 m

Source: GCAT payload, deep-space and lander catalogs, Jonathan C. McDowell (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata Q1384577 (CC0).