# Pioneer 6

> NASA space probe

**Wikidata**: [Q11699464](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q11699464)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/pioneer-6

## Summary
Pioneer 6 is a NASA space probe launched in 1965 to study interplanetary space, particularly solar wind and cosmic rays. It was part of a series of pioneering missions that expanded humanity's understanding of the solar system.

## Key Facts
- Launched on December 16, 1965, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17A.
- Mass: 146 kg (launch weight).
- Dimensions: 0.94 m diameter, 0.81 m height, 1.8 m length.
- Operated by NASA and manufactured by TRW Inc.
- Launched using a Delta E expendable launch vehicle.
- Part of the Pioneer 6, 7, 8, and 9 series of space probes.
- Lost signal on December 8, 2000.
- Nominal power output: 79 watts.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Pioneer 6?
A: Pioneer 6 was designed to study interplanetary space, focusing on solar wind and cosmic rays.

### Q: When was Pioneer 6 launched?
A: Pioneer 6 was launched on December 16, 1965.

### Q: What happened to Pioneer 6?
A: Pioneer 6 lost signal on December 8, 2000, after decades of operation.

### Q: Who operated Pioneer 6?
A: Pioneer 6 was operated by NASA and manufactured by TRW Inc.

### Q: What was the launch vehicle for Pioneer 6?
A: Pioneer 6 was launched using a Delta E expendable launch vehicle.

## Why It Matters
Pioneer 6 was a groundbreaking mission that significantly advanced our understanding of interplanetary space. As one of the first space probes to study solar wind and cosmic rays, it provided valuable data that helped shape our knowledge of the solar system. Its long operational life, spanning over three decades, demonstrated the durability and reliability of early space exploration technology. The mission also paved the way for future space probes and deep-space exploration, contributing to the foundation of modern space science.

## Notable For
- Being one of the first space probes to study interplanetary space.
- Its long operational life, lasting over 35 years.
- Providing valuable data on solar wind and cosmic rays.
- Being part of the pioneering series of NASA space probes.
- Demonstrating the reliability of early space exploration technology.

## Body
### Launch and Mission
Pioneer 6 was launched on December 16, 1965, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17A. The mission was designed to study interplanetary space, with a particular focus on solar wind and cosmic rays. The probe was part of a series of missions that included Pioneer 7, 8, and 9.

### Specifications
- **Mass**: 146 kg (launch weight)
- **Dimensions**: 0.94 m diameter, 0.81 m height, 1.8 m length
- **Power Output**: 79 watts
- **Launch Vehicle**: Delta E expendable launch vehicle

### Operation and Signal Loss
Pioneer 6 was operated by NASA and manufactured by TRW Inc. The probe remained operational for over 35 years, providing valuable data throughout its mission. The signal was lost on December 8, 2000, marking the end of its operational life.

### Significance
Pioneer 6 was a pioneering mission that significantly advanced our understanding of interplanetary space. Its long operational life and the data it provided have been instrumental in shaping our knowledge of the solar system and have paved the way for future space exploration missions.

## Schema Markup
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  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Pioneer 6",
  "description": "NASA space probe launched in 1965 to study interplanetary space.",
  "url": "https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1965-105A",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q191168", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pioneer_6"],
  "additionalType": "SpaceProbe"
}

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. [NSSDCA/COSPAR ID: 1965-105A](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1965-105A)
3. [Source](https://naif.jpl.nasa.gov/pub/naif/toolkit_docs/C/req/naif_ids.html)