# Explorer 33

> American scientific satellite from Explorer programme, forth in the Interplanetary Monitoring Platform series

**Wikidata**: [Q1384557](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1384557)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Explorer_33)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/explorer-33

## Summary
Explorer 33, also known as IMP-D or AIMP, was an American scientific satellite and the fourth spacecraft in the Interplanetary Monitoring Platform (IMP) series. Launched on July 1, 1966, it was designed as a vehicle to fly in space as part of the broader Explorer programme. The spacecraft was equipped with 7,680 solar cells and launched from Cape Canaveral using a Thor-Delta rocket.

## Key Facts
- **Also Known As:** IMP-D and AIMP.
- **Classification:** American scientific satellite; the fourth mission in the Interplanetary Monitoring Platform series.
- **Launch Date:** July 1, 1966.
- **Launch Site:** Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17.
- **Launch Vehicle:** Thor-Delta (American expendable launch system).
- **COSPAR ID:** 1966-058A.
- **Power System:** Equipped with a facility containing 7,680 solar cells.
- **Program:** Part of the Explorer programme.
- **Entity Type:** Spacecraft.

## FAQs
### Q: What was Explorer 33?
A: Explorer 33 was an American scientific satellite designated as the fourth vehicle in the Interplanetary Monitoring Platform series. It is also identified by the aliases IMP-D and AIMP.

### Q: When and how was Explorer 33 launched?
A: Explorer 33 was launched on July 1, 1966, aboard a Thor-Delta rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17.

### Q: What power source did Explorer 33 use?
A: The spacecraft was equipped with a solar cell facility comprised of 7,680 individual solar cells.

## Why It Matters
Explorer 33 represents a specific phase in early American space exploration, serving as the fourth iteration in the Interplanetary Monitoring Platform (IMP) series. As part of the long-running Explorer programme, this spacecraft (classified as a vehicle or machine designed to fly in space) contributed to the systematic study of the space environment. The mission highlights the technological transition during the mid-1960s, utilizing the Thor-Delta expendable launch system to deploy scientific payloads. The specific inclusion of 7,680 solar cells indicates a significant power requirement for its scientific instruments, reflecting the growing complexity of satellite hardware during this era.

## Notable For
- Being the **fourth** satellite in the Interplanetary Monitoring Platform (IMP) series.
- Operating under the alias **IMP-D** and **AIMP**.
- Utilizing a substantial solar array consisting of **7,680 solar cells**.
- Launching from the historic **Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17**.
- Being part of the **Explorer programme**, a major American scientific satellite initiative.

## Body

### Mission Design and Classification
Explorer 33 is formally classified as a spacecraft and vehicle designed to fly in space. Within the context of the Explorer programme, it is identified as an American scientific satellite. It holds the distinction of being the fourth unit in the Interplanetary Monitoring Platform series. Due to its position in this series, it is often referred to by the aliases IMP-D and AIMP.

### Launch and Deployment
The spacecraft's significant rocket launch event took place on July 1, 1966. The launch originated from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17. The delivery system used was the Thor-Delta, an American expendable launch system.

### Technical Specifications
The spacecraft's design includes a specific "has_facility" property detailing its power generation. Explorer 33 was equipped with **7,680 solar cells** (quantity qualifier: P1114). This hardware was essential for the satellite's operation as a scientific vehicle.

### Identifiers and Records
Explorer 33 is tracked and referenced through several cataloging systems:
*   **COSPAR ID:** 1966-058A
*   **NSSDCA ID:** 1966-058A
*   **Wolfram Language Entity Code:** Entity["Satellite", "02258"]
*   **Freebase ID:** /m/026872d

## References

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