# Explorer 6

> NASA earth science satellite launched in 1959

**Wikidata**: [Q1384577](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1384577)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Explorer_6)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/explorer-6

## Summary
Explorer 6 was a NASA earth science satellite launched on August 7, 1959, designed to monitor Earth's magnetosphere and related regions. Also known as S-2 or Able 3, this United States spacecraft was manufactured by TRW Inc. and operated in a highly elliptical orbit until its decay in July 1961.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date:** August 7, 1959 (14:24:20 UTC)
- **Operator:** National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
- **Manufacturer:** TRW Inc.
- **Mass:** 64.4 kilograms
- **Launch Vehicle:** Thor Able III
- **COSPAR ID:** 1959-004A
- **Orbit:** Highly elliptical; Periapsis 245 km, Apoapsis 42,400 km
- **Orbital Period:** 765 minutes
- **Power Source:** Spacecraft solar array (4 units)
- **Mission End:** Atmospheric entry on July 1, 1961

## FAQs
### Q: When was Explorer 6 launched?
A: Explorer 6 was launched on August 7, 1959, at 14:24:20 UTC from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17A.

### Q: What was the primary function of Explorer 6?
A: Classified as a geomagnetic satellite, Explorer 6 was designed to monitor Earth's magnetosphere and conduct earth science research.

### Q: How long did Explorer 6 remain operational?
A: The satellite experienced a loss of signal on October 6, 1959, roughly two months after launch, though it remained in orbit until atmospheric entry on July 1, 1961.

## Why It Matters
Explorer 6 represents a critical early step in the Space Race, serving as a pioneering platform for Earth science and magnetospheric research. As a geomagnetic satellite, it provided essential data regarding the space environment surrounding Earth, contributing to the understanding of the planet's magnetic field.

Technologically, the mission demonstrated the capabilities of the Thor Able III launch vehicle and the engineering of TRW Inc. The satellite's design, which included a specific mass of 64.4 kg and a power system reliant on four solar arrays, set precedents for future hardware. Its highly elliptical orbit (reaching over 42,000 km at apoapsis) allowed for deep sampling of the near-space environment, marking it as a significant instrument in the advancement of astronautics and geophysics during the late 1950s.

## Notable For
- **Geomagnetic Monitoring:** Classified specifically as a geomagnetic satellite designed to study Earth's magnetosphere.
- **First Satellite Photo:** Source data links the satellite to the "First satellite photo" (file: `First_satellite_photo_-_Explorer_VI.jpg`), indicating its role in early imaging history.
- **Highly Elliptical Orbit:** Achieved a significant altitude variance, ranging from 245 km to 42,400 km.
- **Solar Power:** Utilized an early spacecraft solar array system comprising 4 specific units.
- **Harvard Designation:** Carried the Harvard designation "1959 Delta 1."

## Body
### Mission Overview
Explorer 6 (also known as S-2, Able 3, or Explorer VI) was a United States satellite operated by NASA. Launched in 1959, it was a dedicated earth science and geomagnetic satellite. The spacecraft was assigned the COSPAR ID 1959-004A and the Harvard designation 1959 Delta 1.

### Technical Specifications
The satellite had a mass of 64.4 kilograms and was manufactured by TRW Inc. It was powered by a spacecraft solar array consisting of 4 units. The construction and design allowed it to survive the rigors of launch and the space environment long enough to transmit data back to Earth.

### Launch and Trajectory
The mission launched on August 7, 1959, at 14:24:20 UTC from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17A. It was delivered into space using a Thor Able III launch vehicle (designator 134).

### Orbital Characteristics
Explorer 6 was placed into a highly elliptical orbit around Earth.
- **Periapsis:** 245 kilometres
- **Apoapsis:** 42,400 kilometres
- **Orbital Period:** 765 minutes
- **Inclination:** 47 degrees
- **Eccentricity:** 0.7588

### Mission Timeline and Events
- **1959-08-07:** Successful rocket launch from Cape Canaveral.
- **1959-10-06:** Loss of signal occurred, ceasing data transmission.
- **1961-07-01:** The satellite underwent atmospheric entry (decay), ending its physical presence in orbit.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/explorer_s2.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/displayTrajectory.action?id=1959-004A)
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1959-004A)