Explorer 13

USA

Also called S-55A

Launch data:

Designation	00180 / 1961 Chi1 / 61022A
Launch date	25 Aug 1961 - 18:29 UT
Launch site	WI, LA3 MkI
Launch vehicle	Scout X-1 (#ST-6)
Mission	Scientific: observation of meteorites
Perigee/Apogee	125/1164 km
Inclination	37.7°
Period	97.5 min
Dry mass on-orbit	86 kg

Description

Explorer 13 was injected into a geocentric orbit of moderate eccentricity using a Scout launch vehicle. The objectives of the flight were to test vehicle performance and guidance and to investigate the nature and effects of micrometeoroids on the spacecraft systems. The scientific instrumentation consisted of cadium sulfide-cell, wire-grid, piezoelectric, pressurized-cell, and foil-type micrometeoroid detectors. The spacecraft was a 1.93-m-long, 61-cm-diameter cylinder. The orbit was lower than planned, and the spacecraft reentered the atmosphere on August 28, 1961, after only slightly more than 2 days in orbit. No penetrations were recorded by this satellite during experiment operations. This aided in determination of useful flux limits for subsequent experiment design.

End of life

Decay

28 Aug 1961

Ref.: #1, #7, #15, #27 - update: 12.07.04

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