Explorer (S-55)

Launch Failure

Liftoff Time (GMT)

17:09:00

Friday June 30, 1961

Mission Details

Launch Notes

Third stage failed to ignite and the spacecraft did not achieve orbit.

Explorer S-55

Wiki

S-55 was an American satellite launched by NASA on 30 June 1961 as part of the Explorers program. Explorer (S-55), also known as Meteoroid Sat A, was launched using a Scout_X-1 rocket from the Wallops Flight Facility. Its mission was to evaluate the launch vehicle, and investigate micro meteoroid impact and penetration. The mission failed because the third stage failed to ignite and the spacecraft did not achieve orbit.

Low Earth Orbit

1 Payload

Rocket

Retired
Scout X-1

Active 1960 to 1961

National Aeronautics and Space Administration logo

Agency

NASA

Rocket

Height: 25m

Stages

4

Launch Site

LA-3

Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia, USA

Fastest Turnaround

38 days 19 hours

Stats

Scout


3rd

Mission

2nd

Mission of 1961

1961


21st

Orbital launch attempt