# S-56

> American satellite launched by NASA on 4 December 1960

**Wikidata**: [Q22084832](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q22084832)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Explorer_S-56_(satellite))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/s-56

## Summary
S-56 is an American artificial satellite launched by NASA on December 4, 1960, using a Scout X-1 launch vehicle.

## Key Facts
- It is classified as an artificial satellite.
- Launched on December 4, 1960.
- Used the Scout X-1 launch vehicle.
- Has a sitelink count of 1.
- The full Wikipedia title is "Explorer S-56 (satellite)".
- Its launch was a significant event on that date.
- The description from Wikidata confirms it's an American satellite launched by NASA on 4 December 1960.

## FAQs
### Q: When was the S-56 satellite launched?
A: The S-56 satellite was launched on December 4, 1960.

### Q: What was the launch vehicle for S-56?
A: The S-56 satellite was launched using a Scout X-1 launch vehicle.

### Q: What is the classification of S-56?
A: S-56 is classified as an artificial satellite.

### Q: How many Wikipedia links are associated with S-56?
A: S-56 has a sitelink count of 1 on Wikipedia.

## Why It Matters
S-56 represents an early example of American satellite technology from the 1960s, contributing to the nation's space program during the early years of space exploration. As part of the Explorer program, it was part of the broader effort to advance scientific understanding through orbital missions. While specific mission details aren't provided in the source material, its launch represents the technological capabilities and space exploration ambitions of the United States during that era.

## Notable For
- It was launched as part of NASA's Explorer program.
- It represents early American satellite technology from the 1960s.
- It utilized the Scout X-1 expendable launch system.
- It's classified as an artificial satellite.
- The launch occurred during the early years of space exploration.

## Body
### Launch and Classification
S-56 is an artificial satellite that was launched by NASA on December 4, 1960. It belongs to the Explorer series of satellites and was classified as an artificial satellite according to the source material.

### Launch Vehicle
The satellite was launched using a Scout X-1 expendable launch system, which was commonly used for sounding rockets and early satellite missions in the early 1960s.

### Technical Details
The source material indicates that S-56 has a sitelink count of 1 on Wikipedia, suggesting limited information or coverage compared to more prominent satellites. The full Wikipedia title is "Explorer S-56 (satellite)", which provides its classification within the Explorer program.

### Historical Context
As part of the early space program, S-56 represents the technological capabilities and space exploration ambitions of the United States during the 1960s. The Scout X-1 launch vehicle was specifically designed for small satellite launches and sounding rocket missions, making it suitable for this early satellite program. The satellite's launch on December 4, 1960, occurred during a period of significant space exploration activity following the successful launch of Sputnik in 1957.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report