Explorer 33 AIMP-D deep-space observatory spacecraft family
Explorer 33, also known as AIMP-D, was a 1966 NASA deep-space observatory intended for lunar orbit. A launch-vehicle over-acceleration prevented lunar capture, so mission planners placed it in a highly elliptical Earth orbit where it measured Earth’s magnetic tail, the interplanetary magnetic field, radiation, plasma, and solar-cell damage until 1971.
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Identity
- Aliases
- Explorer 33AIMP-DAnchored Interplanetary Monitoring Platform-DExplorer 33 spacecraft
- Family Name
- Explorer 33
- Full Name
- Explorer 33 AIMP-D deep-space observatory spacecraft family
- Roles
- orbiterobservatoryresearch
- Status
- retired
- Type
- spacecraft
Details
- Description
- Explorer 33, also known as AIMP-D, was a 1966 NASA deep-space observatory intended for lunar orbit. A launch-vehicle over-acceleration prevented lunar capture, so mission planners placed it in a highly elliptical Earth orbit where it measured Earth’s magnetic tail, the interplanetary magnetic field, radiation, plasma, and solar-cell damage until 1971.
- First Flight Year
- 1,966
- Last Flight Year
- 1,971
Links
- Official Url
- https://science.nasa.gov/mission/explorer-33/
Assets & Meta
- Creation Time
- August 13, 2026 at 12:27:23 UTC
- Updated Time
- August 13, 2026 at 12:27:23 UTC