Status
Success
Explorer 9 (S-56A)
Launch Time
Thu Feb 16, 1961 13:05 UTC
Thu Feb 16, 1961 13:05 UTC
It was a reflight of the failed S-56 mission.
Rocket
Mission Details
Explorer 9
Explorer 9, known as S-56A before launch, was an American satellite which was launched in 1961 to study the density and composition of the upper thermosphere and lower exosphere. It was a reflight of the failed S-56 mission, and consisted of a 7-kilogram (15 lb), 3.7-meter (12 ft) balloon which was deployed into a medium Earth orbit.
Payloads: 1
Total Mass: 7.0 kg
Low Earth Orbit
Location
LA-3, Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia, USA
Stats
1961
4th orbital launch attempt
Scout
2nd mission
1st mission of 1961
1st successful mission
1st consecutive successful mission