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Ariel 6

NSSDC ID: 1979-047A

Description

UK 6 was the sixth and last satellite in the Ariel series. This satellite was launched on June 3, 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.

Alternate Names

  • United Kingdom 6
  • UK 6
  • 11382

Facts in Brief

Launch Date: 1979-06-02
Launch Vehicle: Scout
Launch Site: Wallops Island, United States
Mass: 154.5 kg

Funding Agencies

  • NASA-Office of Space Science Applications (United States)
  • Science Research Council, UK (United Kingdom)

Discipline

  • Astronomy

Additional Information

Experiments on Ariel 6

Data collections from Ariel 6

Questions or comments about this spacecraft can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office.

 

Personnel

Name Role Original Affiliation E-mail
Dr. Lee R. Foster, Jr. General Contact NASA Langley Research Center  
Mr. J. E. Foster Project Manager Rutherford Appleton Laboratory  
Prof. J. Leonard Culhane Project Scientist University College, London jlc@mssl.ucl.ac.uk
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