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Explorer 31 DME-A Direct Measurement Ionosphere Research Spacecraft Family

Explorer 31, also known as DME-A, was a NASA direct-measurement ionosphere satellite launched November 29, 1965. Cylindrical electrostatic, retarding-potential, mass-spectrometer, and related probes measured electron and ion density, temperature, composition, and plasma behavior in the topside ionosphere through 1968.

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Identity

Aliases
Explorer 31Explorer XXXIDME-ADirect Measurement Explorer-A1965 95BExplorer 31 spacecraft
Family Name
Explorer 31
Full Name
Explorer 31 DME-A Direct Measurement Ionosphere Research Spacecraft Family
Roles
orbiterobservatoryresearch
Status
retired
Type
spacecraft

Details

Description
Explorer 31, also known as DME-A, was a NASA direct-measurement ionosphere satellite launched November 29, 1965. Cylindrical electrostatic, retarding-potential, mass-spectrometer, and related probes measured electron and ion density, temperature, composition, and plasma behavior in the topside ionosphere through 1968.
First Flight Year
1,965
Last Flight Year
1,968

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Creation Time
August 14, 2026 at 07:43:45 UTC
Updated Time
August 14, 2026 at 07:43:45 UTC