NSSDCA/COSPAR ID: 1961-023A
Discoverer 29 (1961 Psi) was launched August 30, 1961, by the U.S. Air Force Ballistic Missile Division into a low altitude polar orbit (apogee 345 miles, perigee 140 miles, inclination 82.1 deg) with an orbit period of 91.6 min. The program objectives were to test a system of better orbital control of the Agena B launch vehicle and to collect scientific data concerning electrons, x-rays, and galactic RF radiation. In addition, several biological specimens were exposed to the environment of space while making 33 orbits of the earth. The spacecraft decayed from orbit and was recovered on September 10, 1961, from the sea. Information concerning the success of the spacecraft was not found as of November 1969.
Launch Date: 1961-08-30
Launch Vehicle: Thor
Launch Site: Vandenberg AFB, United States
Mass: 1150 kg
Questions and comments about this spacecraft can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office