Explorer 9

American satellite. Explorer 9 was launched on February 16, 1961 aboard a Scout X-1 from Wallops. Latest status in GCAT: reentered (orbital decay) (Apr 9, 1964).

COSPAR 1961 DEL 1NORAD 81United States

Identity

Name in GCAT: Explorer 9
Payload designation: NASA S-56A
International designator: 1961 DEL 1
NORAD catalog number: 81
GCAT identifier: S00081
UN registration: A/AC.105/INF.001

Mission

Mission type: Space science
Use: Civil government
Program: Explorer AD
Owner: NASA LaRC
Country: United States
Builder: G T Schjeldahl Inc.
Platform (bus): 12' Sphere

Launch

Date: February 16, 1961 · 13:05 UTC
Launch record: 1961 DELSuccess
Rocket: Scout X-1
Spaceport: Wallops · pad LA3

Orbit and fate

Orbit class (GCAT): LEO/I
Perigee: 635 km
Apogee: 2,581 km
Inclination: 38.86°
Status: Reentered (orbital decay)
Status date: April 9, 1964
Last known active: Feb 16, 1961
End of operations: Feb 16, 1961

Size

Mass: 6 kg
Dry mass: 6 kg
Length: 3.6 m
Diameter: 3.60 m
Span: 3.6 m

Source: GCAT payload, deep-space and lander catalogs, Jonathan C. McDowell (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata Q49897 (CC0).