Explorer 9 1961 Delta 1 inflatable atmospheric-density satellite spacecraft family
Explorer 9 was a NASA inflatable-sphere satellite launched February 16, 1961 from Wallops Island to measure upper-atmospheric density. The 12-foot Mylar-and-aluminum sphere achieved orbit and remained aloft until April 9, 1964, providing long-duration atmospheric-drag observations.
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Identity
- Aliases
- Explorer 9Explorer IX1961 Delta 1S-56AExplorer 9 spacecraft
- Family Name
- Explorer 9
- Full Name
- Explorer 9 1961 Delta 1 inflatable atmospheric-density satellite spacecraft family
- Roles
- orbiterobservatoryresearch
- Status
- retired
- Type
- spacecraft
Details
- Description
- Explorer 9 was a NASA inflatable-sphere satellite launched February 16, 1961 from Wallops Island to measure upper-atmospheric density. The 12-foot Mylar-and-aluminum sphere achieved orbit and remained aloft until April 9, 1964, providing long-duration atmospheric-drag observations.
- First Flight Year
- 1,961
- Last Flight Year
- 1,964
- Operator
Links
- Official Url
- https://www.nasa.gov/wallops/about/
Assets & Meta
- Creation Time
- August 13, 2026 at 12:54:18 UTC
- Updated Time
- August 14, 2026 at 21:27:37 UTC