# Explorer 11

> space observatory

**Wikidata**: [Q49695](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q49695)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Explorer_11)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/explorer-11

## Summary
Explorer 11 was a NASA space observatory launched on April 27, 1961, from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 26 using a Juno II launch vehicle. It was part of NASA's Explorer program and operated as a space telescope for observing distant space objects.

## Key Facts
- Launched on April 27, 1961, from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 26
- Launched using Juno II launch vehicle
- Operated as a space telescope for observing distant space objects
- COSPAR ID: 1961-013A
- NSSDCA ID: 1961-013A
- Freebase ID: /m/04h5lc
- Instance of: space telescope
- Wolfram Language Entity Code: Entity["Satellite", "00107"]
- Wikipedia title: Explorer 11
- Commons category: Explorer 11
- Has 16 sitelinks across Wikipedia language editions

## FAQs
### Q: What was Explorer 11's primary mission?
A: Explorer 11 was a space observatory designed to observe distant space objects as part of NASA's Explorer program, functioning as a space telescope in Earth orbit.

### Q: When and how was Explorer 11 launched?
A: Explorer 11 was launched on April 27, 1961, from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 26 using a Juno II launch vehicle.

### Q: What type of satellite was Explorer 11?
A: Explorer 11 was classified as a space telescope, making it an instrument in outer space for observing distant space objects.

## Why It Matters
Explorer 11 represented an important step in NASA's early space exploration efforts, serving as a space-based observatory that could observe the universe without atmospheric interference. As part of the Explorer program, it contributed to the growing body of knowledge about space observation techniques and demonstrated the viability of space telescopes. The satellite's launch in 1961 came during the early space race era, when each successful mission helped advance both scientific understanding and technological capabilities. Explorer 11's role as a space telescope made it part of the foundation for later, more sophisticated space-based observatories that would revolutionize our understanding of the cosmos.

## Notable For
- First space telescope in NASA's Explorer program
- Successfully launched using Juno II vehicle from Cape Canaveral
- Operated as a space observatory for observing distant space objects
- Part of the early generation of American space-based scientific instruments
- Has comprehensive documentation across multiple Wikipedia language editions

## Body
### Launch and Mission Details
Explorer 11 was launched on April 27, 1961, from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 26. The launch vehicle used was a Juno II, which was an American space launch vehicle used during the late 1950s and early 1960s. The satellite was successfully placed into orbit and began its mission as a space observatory.

### Classification and Identification
The satellite is classified as a space telescope, which is defined as an instrument in outer space for observing distant space objects. It has been assigned multiple identification codes including COSPAR ID 1961-013A and NSSDCA ID 1961-013A. In the Freebase knowledge graph, it is identified by the ID /m/04h5lc.

### Documentation and Recognition
Explorer 11 has significant documentation across various platforms. It has a Wikipedia page titled "Explorer 11" and a dedicated Commons category. The satellite is documented in 16 different Wikipedia language editions including English, Spanish, French, German, and Japanese. It also has a Wolfram Language entity code for computational recognition.

### Related Programs and Vehicles
Explorer 11 was part of NASA's Explorer program, which was a series of scientific satellites and probes. It was preceded by Explorer 10 and followed by EPE-A in the program's timeline. The Juno II launch vehicle that carried Explorer 11 was derived from the Jupiter-C rocket and was capable of placing payloads into low Earth orbit.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Explorer 11",
  "description": "NASA space observatory launched on April 27, 1961, from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 26 using a Juno II launch vehicle",
  "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Explorer_11",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q8447",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Explorer_11"
  ],
  "additionalType": "space telescope"
}

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013