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SAMPEX Solar Anomalous and Magnetospheric Particle Explorer spacecraft

NASA's first Small Explorer, SAMPEX was launched on 3 July 1992 into a near-polar low Earth orbit to measure the energy, elemental and isotopic composition, and charge states of galactic cosmic rays, anomalous cosmic rays, solar energetic particles, and magnetospheric electrons affecting Earth's magnetic environment. NASA lists the primary mission end as 30 June 2004.

SAMPEX Solar Anomalous and Magnetospheric Particle Explorer spacecraft
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Identity

Aliases
SAMPEXSolar Anomalous and Magnetospheric Particle ExplorerSolar, Anomalous, and Magnetospheric Particle ExplorerSAMPEX SMEX
Family Name
SAMPEX
Full Name
SAMPEX Solar Anomalous and Magnetospheric Particle Explorer spacecraft
Roles
orbiterobservatoryresearch
Status
retired
Type
spacecraft

Details

Description
NASA's first Small Explorer, SAMPEX was launched on 3 July 1992 into a near-polar low Earth orbit to measure the energy, elemental and isotopic composition, and charge states of galactic cosmic rays, anomalous cosmic rays, solar energetic particles, and magnetospheric electrons affecting Earth's magnetic environment. NASA lists the primary mission end as 30 June 2004.
First Flight Year
1,992
Last Flight Year
2,004
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Creation Time
August 13, 2026 at 13:43:17 UTC
Updated Time
August 23, 2026 at 09:27:48 UTC