NSSDCA ID: EXS-451
Explorer (S-45) was launched using a Juno 2 rocket. Its mission was to investigate the shape of the ionosphere. A malfunction following booster separation resulted in loss of payload telemetry and the third and fourth stages failed to ignite. The spacecraft did not achieve orbit.
Launch Date: 1961-02-24
Launch Vehicle: Juno
Launch Site: Cape Canaveral, United States
Mass: 33.6 kg
Questions and comments about this spacecraft can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office