NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Success

Explorer 16 (S-55B)

Launch Time
Sun Dec 16, 1962 14:33 UTC

Rocket

Scout X-3
NASA
Status: Retired
Payload to LEO: 87 kg
Stages: 4
Strap-ons: 0

Mission Details

Explorer 16 (S-55B)

This spacecraft was the second in the series of micrometeoroid satellites orbited by NASA. Its purpose was to obtain data on the near-earth meteoroid environment, thus providing an accurate estimate of the probability of penetration in spacecraft structures by meteoroids and allowing a more confident definition of the relationship between penetration flux and material thickness to be derived.
The spacecraft operated satisfactorily during its 7-month life (December 16, 1962, to July 1963), and all mission objectives were accomplished.

Payloads: 1
Total Mass: 101.0 kg
Low Earth Orbit

Location

LA-3, Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia, USA

Stats

1962

78th orbital launch attempt

Scout

8th mission
4th mission of 1962
3rd successful mission
2nd consecutive successful mission