NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Failure

Explorer (S-55)

Launch Time
Fri Jun 30, 1961 17:09 UTC

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

Rocket

Scout X-1
NASA
Status: Retired
Stages: 4
Rocket Height: 25.0 m

Mission Details

Explorer S-55

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.

Payloads: 1
Low Earth Orbit

Location

LA-3, Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia, USA

Stats

1961

21st orbital launch attempt

Scout

3rd mission
2nd mission of 1961
2nd failed mission