NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Success

Ariel 6

Launch Time
Sat Jun 02, 1979 23:26 UTC

Rocket

Scout D1
NASA
Status: Retired
Liftoff Thrust: 622 kN
Payload to LEO: 185 kg
Payload to GTO: 0 kg
Stages: 4
Strap-ons: 0
Rocket Height: 21.0 m

Mission Details

Ariel 6

Ariel 6 (UK 6) was the sixth and last satellite in the Ariel series. This satellite was launched on 2 June 1979, into a near-circular 625-km, 55-deg inclination orbit. The objective of this mission was to undertake studies in high-energy astrophysics. Two X-ray experiments, one cosmic-ray experiment, and three technology experiments were carried. The spacecraft was spin stabilized, with the spin axis commanded into a sequence of orientations to accommodate the X-ray experiment requirements.

Payloads: 1
Total Mass: 155.0 kg
Low Earth Orbit

Location

LA-3, Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia, USA

Stats

1979

48th orbital launch attempt

Scout

81st mission
2nd mission of 1979
68th successful mission
30th consecutive successful mission