Explorer 32 (AE-B)

Launch Success

Liftoff Time (GMT)

14:00:00

Wednesday May 25, 1966

Watch Replay

24/7 Coverage

Mission Details

Explorer 32 (AE-B)

Wiki

Explorer 32 was an aeronomy satellite which was designed to directly measure temperatures, composition, densities, and pressures in the upper atmosphere on a global basis. The satellite was a stainless steel, vacuum-sealed sphere, 0.889 m in diameter. The experimental payload included one ion and two neutral mass spectrometers, three magnetron density gauges, and two electrostatic probes. Additional equipment included optical and magnetic aspect sensors, magnetic attitude and spin rate control systems, and a tape recorder for data acquisition at locations remote from ground receiving stations. The two neutral-particle mass spectrometers failed about 6 days after launch. The remaining experiments operated satisfactorily and provided useful data for most of the 10-month satellite lifetime. The spacecraft ceased to function due to battery failures which resulted from depressurization of the sphere.

Highly Elliptical Orbit

1 Payload

225 kilograms

Rocket

Retired
Delta C1

Active 1966 to 1969


Payload to Orbit

LEO: 600 kg

Stages

3

Launch Site

SLC-17B

Cape Canaveral SFS, Florida, USA

Fastest Turnaround

20 days 2 hours

Stats

Delta C


10th

Mission

2nd

Mission of 1966

1966


51st

Orbital launch attempt