Explorer 3

USA

Spacecraft n°: 8

USA spacecraft n°: 6

Launch data:

Designation00006/ 1958 Gamma 1 / 58003A
Launch date26 Mar 1958 - 17:38:03 UT
Launch siteCC, LC5
Launch vehicle Jupiter C (Juno-1)
MissionScientific: ionosphere study
Earth orbit on 26 Mar 1958 (.8):
Perigee/Apogee186 x 2799 km
Eccentricity 0.166
Inclination33,38°
Period115,70 min

Description

Explorer 3 was launched in conjunction with the IGY by the U.S. Army (Ordinance) into an eccentric orbit. The objective of this spacecraft was a continuation of experiments started with Explorer 1. The payload consisted of a cosmic ray counter (a Geiger-Mueller tube), and a micrometeorite detector (erotion gauge). The Explorer 3 spacecraft was spin stabilized and had an on-board tape recorder to provide a complete radiation history for each orbit. It was discovered soon after launch that the satellite was in a tumbling motion with a period of about 7 s. Explorer 3 decayed from orbit on June 28, 1958, after 93 days of operation.

Spacecraft data:

Prime contractor  Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
Operator  NASA
Mass at launch  14,1 kg
Payload 5 kg
Basic shape  Cylinder
Dimension  2,03 long 0,15 dia
Equipment  Cosmic-ray detection package, temperature sensors
micrometeorite impact microphone, micrometeorite erosion gauges

End of life

Decay28 Jun 1958
Lifetime93 days
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