NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Success

Explorer 11 (S 15)

Launch Time
Thu Apr 27, 1961 14:16 UTC

Rocket

Juno II
ABMA
Status: Retired
Liftoff Thrust: 667 kN
Payload to LEO: 41 kg
Stages: 4
Strap-ons: 0
Rocket Height: 24.0 m

Mission Details

Explorer 11 (S 15)

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.

Payloads: 1
Total Mass: 37.0 kg
Low Earth Orbit

Location

LC-26B, Cape Canaveral SFS, Florida, USA

Stats

1961

16th orbital launch attempt

Juno II

9th mission
2nd mission of 1961
4th successful mission
1st consecutive successful mission