Back to Resources

Dynamics Explorer 1 high-altitude magnetospheric research spacecraft

NASA's Dynamics Explorer 1 was launched on 3 August 1981 into a highly elliptical polar orbit as the high-altitude member of the paired DE mission. It studied coupling among Earth's magnetosphere, ionosphere, and upper atmosphere through magnetospheric plasma and wave measurements, global auroral imaging, and observations along auroral field lines.

Follow this vehicle family

Alerts for directly linked future launches and major activity.

Identity

Aliases
Dynamics Explorer 1DE-1DE 1Dynamics Explorer-A
Family Name
Dynamics Explorer 1
Full Name
Dynamics Explorer 1 high-altitude magnetospheric research spacecraft
Roles
orbiterobservatoryresearch
Status
retired
Type
spacecraft

Details

Description
NASA's Dynamics Explorer 1 was launched on 3 August 1981 into a highly elliptical polar orbit as the high-altitude member of the paired DE mission. It studied coupling among Earth's magnetosphere, ionosphere, and upper atmosphere through magnetospheric plasma and wave measurements, global auroral imaging, and observations along auroral field lines.
First Flight Year
1,981
Last Flight Year
1,991

Links

Assets & Meta

Creation Time
August 13, 2026 at 13:35:09 UTC
Updated Time
August 13, 2026 at 17:21:35 UTC