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Explorer 33 (AIMP-D) lunar-orbit science-probe spacecraft family

The Explorer 33 (AIMP-D) family was a 1966 U.S. lunar-orbit probe intended to become the first American spacecraft to orbit the Moon. A second-stage over-acceleration prevented lunar orbit, but the spacecraft entered a highly elliptical Earth orbit that passed within about 22,000 miles of the Moon.

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Identity

Aliases
Explorer 33AIMP-D
Family Name
Explorer 33 (AIMP-D)
Full Name
Explorer 33 (AIMP-D) lunar-orbit science-probe spacecraft family
Roles
orbiterinterplanetary_probetechnology_demonstrator
Status
retired
Type
spacecraft

Details

Description
The Explorer 33 (AIMP-D) family was a 1966 U.S. lunar-orbit probe intended to become the first American spacecraft to orbit the Moon. A second-stage over-acceleration prevented lunar orbit, but the spacecraft entered a highly elliptical Earth orbit that passed within about 22,000 miles of the Moon.
First Flight Year
1,966
Last Flight Year
1,966

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Creation Time
August 6, 2026 at 20:14:36 UTC
Updated Time
August 6, 2026 at 20:14:36 UTC