This is a fully instrumented back-up for the Explorer 12 spacecraft. Explorer 12 was the first in a series of four satellites designed specifically to study the behavior of energetic particles near the Earth. They carried instruments to provide data on the solar wind, the interplanetary field, trapped radiation, and cosmic rays. The octagonal spacecraft carried six experiments contributed by the Goddard Space Flight Center, the NASA Ames Research Center, the University of New Hampshire, and Iowa State University. Power was supplied by four windmill-like solar panels. The satellite was placed into a highly elliptical orbit that ranged from 170 to 50,000 miles on December 6, 1961. It transmitted scientific data during its lifetime of 112 days. The satellite was manufactured at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center where the instruments were integrated and tested.
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-Communications
Manufacturer
NASA, Goddard Space Flight Center
Dimensions
Overall: 4 ft. tall x 1 ft. 9 in. wide, 38 lb. (121.92 x 53.34cm, 17.2kg)
Materials
Mixed metals, electronics
Alternate Name
Explorer 12 Satellite (Backup)
Inventory Number
A19751505000
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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