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Explorer 15 EPE-C artificial-radiation-belt science spacecraft family

Explorer 15 was a NASA energetic-particles spacecraft launched October 27, 1962 to study the artificial radiation belt created by the July 1962 Starfish high-altitude nuclear burst. It rapidly mapped the belt’s extent and composition and measured natural and artificial trapped radiation around Earth.

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Identity

Aliases
Explorer 15Explorer XVEPE-CEnergetic Particles Explorer-CExplorer 15 spacecraft
Family Name
Explorer 15
Full Name
Explorer 15 EPE-C artificial-radiation-belt science spacecraft family
Roles
orbiterobservatoryresearch
Status
retired
Type
spacecraft

Details

Description
Explorer 15 was a NASA energetic-particles spacecraft launched October 27, 1962 to study the artificial radiation belt created by the July 1962 Starfish high-altitude nuclear burst. It rapidly mapped the belt’s extent and composition and measured natural and artificial trapped radiation around Earth.
First Flight Year
1,962
Last Flight Year
1,962

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Creation Time
August 13, 2026 at 13:01:20 UTC
Updated Time
August 13, 2026 at 13:01:20 UTC