EXPLORER 3
- EXPLORER 3 EXPLORER 3
Object Name EXPLORER 3
Object Full Name -
Norad ID 6
Cospar ID 1958-003A
Object Type Satellite
Object Status Decayed
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Explorer 3 (1958 Gamma 1) was launched in conjunction with the IGY by the U.S. Army (Ordinance) into an eccentric orbit. The objective of this spacecraft was a continuation of experiments started with Explorer 1. The payload consisted of a cosmic ray counter (a Geiger-Mueller tube), and a micrometeorite detector (erotion gauge). The Explorer 3 spacecraft was spin stabilized and had an on-board tape recorder to provide a complete radiation history for each orbit. It was discovered soon after launch that the satellite was in a tumbling motion with a period of about 7 s. Explorer 3 decayed from orbit on June 27, 1958, after 93 days of operation.

Launch Date 1958-03-26
Decay Date 1958-06-28
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Launch Site Air Force Eastern Test Range, Florida, USA
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Country of Operator United States
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Orbit Status Earth Orbit
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Period: 103.6 min
Inclination: 33.5°
Apogee: 1739.0 km
Perigee: 117.0 km
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