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Explorer 20 Topsi Ionosphere Explorer-A Spacecraft Family

Explorer 20, nicknamed Topsi, was a NASA ionosphere research satellite launched August 25, 1964. Its direct-measurement and radio-plasma experiments characterized ion and electron density, temperature, and plasma resonances in the topside ionosphere for space-weather and communications research.

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Identity

Aliases
Explorer 20Explorer XXTopsiIonosphere Explorer-AExplorer 20 spacecraft
Family Name
Explorer 20
Full Name
Explorer 20 Topsi Ionosphere Explorer-A Spacecraft Family
Roles
orbiterobservatoryresearch
Status
retired
Type
spacecraft

Details

Description
Explorer 20, nicknamed Topsi, was a NASA ionosphere research satellite launched August 25, 1964. Its direct-measurement and radio-plasma experiments characterized ion and electron density, temperature, and plasma resonances in the topside ionosphere for space-weather and communications research.
First Flight Year
1,964
Last Flight Year
1,966

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Creation Time
August 14, 2026 at 07:26:22 UTC
Updated Time
August 14, 2026 at 07:26:22 UTC