This is the engineering model for the Interplanetary Monitoring Platform A (IMP-A or Explorer 18). It is the first of a series of seven satellites designed to be launched before and during Apollo flights. IMP-A carried instruments designed to measure cosmic rays, the solar wind, and interplanetary magnetic fields beyond the earth's magnetic field. The sphere on top of the boom contained a sensitive magnetometer. Four windmill-like solar panels provided operating power. The satellite was launched on November 26, 1963 aboard a Delta vehicle resulting in a highly elliptical orbit that ranged from 110 to 122,800 miles. Data from the mission led to the discovery of a new layer of radiation beyond the Van Allen belt and confirmed the existence of a standing shock wave in the solar wind around the earth's magnetic field. This object was transferred to NASM by NASA in May 1976.
Display Status
This object is on display in Space Science at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
SPACECRAFT-Uncrewed
Manufacturer
NASA, Goddard Space Flight Center
Dimensions
Overall: 4 ft. 5 in. tall x 2 ft. 5 in. wide x 1 ft. 1 in. diameter, 75 lb. (134.62 x 73.66 x 33.02cm, 34kg)
Materials
Mixed metals, solar cells, electronics
Alternate Name
IMP-A satellite
Inventory Number
A19761835000
Credit Line
Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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