Explorer 46 (Meteoroid Technology Satellite)
Explorer 46 (Meteoroid Technology Satellite or MTS-A) was a dedicated mission evaluating double-wall meteoroid protection structures and measuring orbital meteoroid impacts.
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Identity
- Aliases
- Explorer XLVIExplorer 46Meteoroid Technology SatelliteMTS-AMTS1972-065A
- Name
- Explorer 46 (Meteoroid Technology Satellite)
- Status
- completed
Details
- Astronauts
- -
- Description
- Explorer 46 (Meteoroid Technology Satellite or MTS-A) was a dedicated mission evaluating double-wall meteoroid protection structures and measuring orbital meteoroid impacts.
- Destination
- Near-circular low Earth orbit at approximately 504 km perigee and 822 km apogee (37.7° inclination; 98-minute period)
- End Date
- 1979-11-02
- Outcome
- NASA's reanalysis of Explorer 46's Meteoroid Bumper Experiment concluded that most recorded impacts came from an Earth-orbiting population, with solid rocket motors fired in Earth orbit the probable source.
- Programs
- Start Date
- 1972-08-13
- Vehicle Families
Links
- Official Url
- https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/19850012894
Assets & Meta
- Creation Time
- August 14, 2026 at 21:02:55 UTC
- Updated Time
- September 8, 2026 at 12:19:13 UTC
Other
- Affiliations
- Space Stations
- -
- Vehicles