# Explorer S-55

> American artificial satellite, lost in a launch failure

**Wikidata**: [Q9325957](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q9325957)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Explorer_S-55_(satellite))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/explorer-s-55

## Summary
Explorer S-55 was an American research satellite that was lost in a launch failure. It was part of NASA's Explorer program and was intended to conduct scientific research in space before its unsuccessful launch.

## Key Facts
- Explorer S-55 was an American research satellite that was lost in a launch failure
- It was launched on June 30, 1961 using a Scout X-1 launch vehicle
- It was part of the Explorer program, specifically designated as Explorer 23
- It had the NSSDCA ID EXS-55
- It had Wikipedia articles in English, Galician, and Polish
- It had 3 sitelinks across different language versions of Wikipedia
- It had a Google Knowledge Graph ID of /g/1235dwzm
- It was classified as a research satellite and a former entity

## FAQs
### Q: What was Explorer S-55?
A: Explorer S-55 was an American research satellite that was part of NASA's Explorer program. It was designed to conduct scientific research in space but was lost in a launch failure.

### Q: When was Explorer S-55 launched?
A: Explorer S-55 was launched on June 30, 1961 using a Scout X-1 launch vehicle. However, the launch was unsuccessful, and the satellite was lost.

### Q: What was the purpose of Explorer S-55?
A: Explorer S-55 was designed as a research satellite to conduct scientific experiments in space. As part of the Explorer program, it was intended to contribute to NASA's space research efforts.

### Q: How does Explorer S-55 compare to other Explorer satellites?
A: Explorer S-55 was similar to other Explorer research satellites in its purpose and classification. However, it is distinguished by its launch failure, which prevented it from completing its mission.

## Why It Matters
Explorer S-55 represents an example of an early American research satellite mission that was lost in a launch failure. As part of the Explorer program, it was intended to contribute to scientific research in space. Despite its unsuccessful launch, it was documented in multiple languages on Wikipedia, indicating its recognition in the historical record of space exploration. The satellite's story highlights the challenges faced in early space missions and the importance of documenting both successful and unsuccessful attempts in the history of space exploration.

## Notable For
- Being an American research satellite that was lost in a launch failure
- Having documentation in multiple Wikipedia languages (English, Galician, and Polish)
- Being launched using the Scout X-1 launch system
- Having the NSSDCA ID EXS-55
- Being part of the Explorer program as Explorer 23

## Body
### Overview
Explorer S-55 was an American research satellite that was lost in a launch failure. It was part of NASA's Explorer program, which was one of the first U.S. scientific satellite programs.

### Launch Details
- Launch date: June 30, 1961
- Launch vehicle: Scout X-1
- Launch status: Failed
- Result: Satellite lost

### Classification and Identification
- Instance of: Research satellite, former entity
- NSSDCA ID: EXS-55
- Aliases: S-55
- Wikipedia title: Explorer S-55 (satellite)
- Google Knowledge Graph ID: /g/1235dwzm

### Documentation and References
- Sitelink count: 3
- Wikipedia languages: English, Galician, Polish
- Wikidata description: American artificial satellite, lost in a launch failure
- Reference: Q6272367 (Wikidata item)

### Program Association
- Part of: Explorer program
- Specifically designated as: Explorer 23
- Related class: Research satellite
- Related launch system: Scout X-1

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report