Also called:
Atmospheric Explorer D
Date of launch (range):
Oct. 6, 1975 (WTR)
Launch vehicle:
Delta 2910
Shape:
polyhedron (16-sided)
Weight (kg):
675
Dimensions (m):
0.14, diameter
0.12, height
Power source:
solar cells plus NiCd battery
Prime contractor:
RCA, Astro-Electronics Div.
Date of reentry:
March 12, 1976
Responsible NASA center:
GSFC
Project director:
David W. Grimes
Project scientist:
Nelson W. Spencer
Objectives:
To obtain data relating solar
ultraviolet activity to atmospheric composition in the lower
atmosphere.
Experiments (responsible
organization):
same as for Explorer 51
Results:
Partially successful; returned data
for only 3 V2 months because of a power supply system
failure; the satellite had been designed for a one-year
lifetime.
Reference: MOR S-852-75-04, Sept. 26, 1975.