X Report 5 Aug 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites while returning to form with Starship testing at Starbase. Meanwhile, preparations for upcoming launches are underway.
EXPLORER 9 (00081)
COSPAR: 1961-004A | Alt Name: Explorer 9
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 16, 1961
Launch Site
WLPIS
Launch Pad
LA3
Launch Vehicle
Scout X-1
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
00081
International Designator
1961-004A
Decay Date
4/9/1964
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
EXPLORER 9
Alternative Name
Explorer 9
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
LARCN
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
Apologies, there is no summary for this satellite yet. I am working to generate these for every object in the catalog, but it is going to take time.
Physical Characteristics
Length
3.6
Diameter
3.6
Span
3.6
Dry Mass
6
Launch Mass
6
Shape
Sphere
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
NASA S-56A
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
SCHJ
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
12' Sphere
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
X Report 15 Apr 2025
SpaceX sets a new rocket-reuse record and prepares for upcoming launches, maintaining the momentum in Starlink satellite deployments.
Vulcan Grounded as GEM 63XL Booster Passes Test | KeepTrack Space Brief
ULA's Vulcan remains grounded after February in-flight GEM 63XL booster anomaly. Northrop Grumman completed successful static fire test, but investigation ongoing with no return-to-flight date.
Space Brief 18 Feb 2025
Today's briefs cover SpaceX landing a Falcon 9 in The Bahamas, first disabled astronaut prepped for a mission, and key company updates from Blue Origin and K2 Space.
Space Brief 5 Dec 2024
Today's brief highlights Umbra Space's contract extension with the NRO, Trump's Space Force ambitions, FibreCoat's new funding targeting defense markets, and key US defense sentiments. Explore notable military and commercial satellite activities.
The Morning a Supply Ship Tore Open Mir
On 25 June 1997, a seven-ton cargo ship under hand control drifted into Mir's Spektr module, breached the hull, and left three crew members listening to their air hiss into space. It remains the worst collision in the history of human spaceflight.
Blue Origin Announces 5,400-Satellite Constellation to Rival Starlink | KeepTrack X Report
Blue Origin reveals plans for 5,400+ satellite constellation targeting enterprise and government with 6 Tbps capacity. SpaceX launches first West Coast Starlink mission of 2026 from Vandenberg.
SpaceX Accuses Amazon of Debris Violations at FCC | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX filed an FCC complaint against Amazon over orbital debris violations as Starship V3 gets a maiden voyage date and a $178.5M Space Force deal lands.