Explorer 11 (S 15)

Launch Success

Liftoff Time (GMT)

14:16:38

Thursday April 27, 1961

Watch Replay

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Mission Details

Explorer 11 (S 15)

Wiki

Explorer 11, also known as S 15, was launched for the purpose of detecting the sources of high-energy gamma rays. In addition to detecting gamma rays, Explorer 11 was designed to map their direction with an emphasis on the plane of the galaxy, the galactic center, the sun, and other known radio noise sources; to relate the measurements to the cosmic-ray flux density and the density of interstellar matter; and finally, to measure the high-energy gamma-ray albedo of the earth's atmosphere.

Low Earth Orbit

1 Payload

37 kilograms

Rocket

Retired
Juno II

Active 1958 to 1961

Army Ballistic Missile Agency logo

Agency

ABMA

Rocket

Height: 24m

Payload to Orbit

LEO: 41 kg

Liftoff Thrust

667 Kilonewtons

Stages

4

Launch Site

LC-26B

Cape Canaveral SFS, Florida, USA

Fastest Turnaround

27 days 5 hours

Stats

Juno II


9th

Mission

2nd

Mission of 1961

1961


16th

Orbital launch attempt