NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Failure

Vanguard SLV-5

Launch Time
Tue Apr 14, 1959 02:49 UTC

A momentary delay in first stage separation caused the second stage engine to ignite while still attached to the first stage. Pressure from the engine exhaust pushed the thrust chamber to the limit of the gimbal stops, breaking them and causing loss of attitude control in flight. The second stage tumbled and the resultant forces caused a premature separation of the third stage and payload. Data was received from them until impact in the Atlantic Ocean eight minutes after liftoff.

Rocket

Vanguard
US Navy
Status: Retired
Liftoff Thrust: 135 kN
Payload to LEO: 10 kg
Stages: 3
Strap-ons: 0
Rocket Height: 23.0 m

Mission Details

Vanguard SLV-5

The Vanguard SLV5 satellite consisted of a 13in spherical satellite, which contained a precise magnetometer to map the Earth's magnetic field. The satellite was lost together with the Vanguard Balloon, when the Vanguard launch vehicle second stage was damaged during staging. The magnetometer was reflown on the Vanguard 3 satellite.

Payloads: 1
Total Mass: 10.0 kg
Medium Earth Orbit

Vanguard Balloon Subsatellite

The Vanguard Balloon Subsatellite was a small balloon satellite to measure air-density. It was launched piggy back with the Vanguard 13in Magnetometer satellite.

Payloads: 1
Medium Earth Orbit

Location

LC-18A, Cape Canaveral SFS, Florida, USA

Stats

1959

6th orbital launch attempt

Vanguard

9th mission
2nd mission of 1959
7th failed mission