# Beacon Explorer C

> NASA research satellite of the Explorer program

**Wikidata**: [Q23741](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q23741)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Explorer_27)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/beacon-explorer-c

## Summary
Beacon Explorer C (Explorer 27) was a NASA research satellite launched on April 29, 1965, as part of the Explorer program. It was designed for ionospheric research and operated in low Earth orbit before decommissioning in July 1973.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: April 29, 1965, at 14:17:00 UTC from Wallops Flight Facility Launch Area 3
- **Mass**: 59 kilograms
- **Diameter**: 0.4668 meters (spacecraft bus), 7.2563 meters (solar array)
- **Launch Vehicle**: Scout X-4 (serial number S136R)
- **Operator**: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
- **Manufacturer**: Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit
- **Decommissioning**: July 1973
- **Aliases**: Explorer 27, Explorer XXVII, S-66C, BE-C
- **Preceded by**: Beacon Explorer-B and EPE-D
- **Followed by**: Explorer 28

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Beacon Explorer C?
A: Beacon Explorer C was a NASA research satellite designed for ionospheric research, part of the Explorer program.

### Q: When was Beacon Explorer C launched?
A: It was launched on April 29, 1965, from Wallops Flight Facility Launch Area 3.

### Q: What was the mass of Beacon Explorer C?
A: The satellite had a mass of 59 kilograms.

### Q: Which launch vehicle was used for Beacon Explorer C?
A: The satellite was launched using the Scout X-4 rocket (serial number S136R).

### Q: When was Beacon Explorer C decommissioned?
A: The satellite was decommissioned in July 1973.

## Why It Matters
Beacon Explorer C was part of NASA's Explorer program, which aimed to conduct scientific research using satellites. The satellite contributed to ionospheric studies, helping scientists understand the Earth's upper atmosphere. Its decommissioning in 1973 marked the end of its operational life, but its data continued to be valuable for research. The mission demonstrated the effectiveness of small, dedicated research satellites in advancing space science.

## Notable For
- **Ionospheric Research**: One of the first satellites dedicated to studying the ionosphere.
- **Explorer Program Contribution**: Part of NASA's long-running Explorer program for scientific research.
- **Low-Cost Satellite Design**: Weighed only 59 kg, making it a lightweight research satellite.
- **Scout X-4 Launch**: Successfully launched on the Scout X-4 rocket, a reliable small satellite launcher.
- **Long Operational Life**: Operated in orbit until decommissioning in 1973.

## Body
### Overview
Beacon Explorer C, also known as Explorer 27, was a NASA research satellite launched on April 29, 1965. It was part of the Explorer program, which aimed to conduct scientific research using satellites. The satellite was designed for ionospheric research and was launched from Wallops Flight Facility Launch Area 3 using the Scout X-4 rocket.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 59 kilograms
- **Diameter**: 0.4668 meters (spacecraft bus), 7.2563 meters (solar array)
- **Power**: Four spacecraft solar arrays
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit

### Mission Details
- **Launch Date**: April 29, 1965, at 14:17:00 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: Scout X-4 (serial number S136R)
- **Operator**: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
- **Manufacturer**: Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
- **Decommissioning**: July 1973

### Preceded and Followed By
- **Preceded by**: Beacon Explorer-B and EPE-D
- **Followed by**: Explorer 28

### Significance
Beacon Explorer C played a crucial role in ionospheric research, contributing valuable data to scientific understanding. Its successful launch and operation demonstrated the effectiveness of small, dedicated research satellites in advancing space science.

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  "description": "NASA research satellite of the Explorer program",
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## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/explorer_be.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/19650005987)