The Explorer XXIII Meteoroid Satellite (S-55C), launched November 6, 1964, at 7:02 AM EST from Wallops Station, has just completed the one-year period in orbit for which it was designed. The spacecraft has functioned satisfactorily during the entire time. In the period from launch thru 2 November 1965, a total of 49 penetrations in the 1 mil stainless steel pressurized cells, and 74 penetrations in the 2 mil stainless steel cells have been recorded. There have been two penetrations recorded in the capacitor meteoroid sensor in the same time period. The spacecraft s command transmitters were to be turned off on about October 29, 1965, by an internal Accutron one-year timer. As of this date, this event has not occurred and the cause is being investigated. This report presents a summary of the performance of the spacecraft, and includes a preliminary estimate of the quantity of useful data accumulated. This is a final report. Results and implications of the data are being reported in technical publications. A first data report has been published as NASA TM X-l 123, and a second data report is in preparation. Further details are contained in the enclosed Post Launch Report No. 2, which should be filed following the cover page of the basic Report No. R-713-64-04, dated October 28, 1964.
Explorer XXIII (S-55c) Meteoroid Satellite) Post Launch Report No. 2)
1965
5 pages
Report
No indication
English
Launch of the Meteoroid Technology Satellite
NTIS | 1972
Launch of the S-55C Meteoroid Satellite
NTIS | 1964