# Explorer S55

> Its mission was to evaluate the launch vehicle, and investigate micrometeoroid impact and penetration. Mission have failed

**Wikidata**: [Q112958942](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q112958942)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/explorer-s55

## Summary
Explorer S55 was a spacecraft launched on June 30, 1961, from Wallops Island. Its mission was to evaluate the launch vehicle and investigate micrometeoroid impact and penetration, but the mission ultimately failed.

## Key Facts
- **Aliases**: Meteoroid Sat A
- **NSSDCA ID**: EXS-55
- **Instance of**: Spacecraft
- **Launch date**: June 30, 1961
- **Start point**: Wallops Island
- **Mission outcome**: Failed
- **Primary objectives**: Evaluate launch vehicle performance and study micrometeoroid impacts

## FAQs
- **What was the purpose of Explorer S55?**
  Explorer S55 was designed to assess the performance of its launch vehicle and observe micrometeoroid impacts in space.

- **Where was Explorer S55 launched from?**
  The spacecraft was launched from Wallops Island on June 30, 1961.

- **Did Explorer S55 achieve its mission goals?**
  No, the mission failed despite its intended objectives.

## Why It Matters
Explorer S55 was part of early efforts to understand space environmental hazards, particularly micrometeoroid impacts, which were critical for designing future spacecraft. While the mission failed, it contributed to broader research in space exploration and vehicle performance evaluation.

## Notable For
- **First of its kind**: One of the earliest spacecraft dedicated to micrometeoroid impact studies.
- **Failed mission**: Provided valuable data on launch vehicle reliability despite mission failure.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Explorer S55, also known as Meteoroid Sat A, was launched on June 30, 1961, from Wallops Island. Its primary objectives were to evaluate the launch vehicle's performance and investigate micrometeoroid impacts in space. The mission, identified by the NSSDCA ID EXS-55, was part of NASA's early spacecraft programs.

### Mission Failure
Despite its intended goals, Explorer S55's mission failed. The failure provided insights into launch vehicle reliability and contributed to broader research in space environmental hazards.

### Related Entities
- **Spacecraft**: Explorer S55 is classified as a spacecraft, a vehicle or machine designed for spaceflight, including satellites, probes, and crewed vehicles.