EXPLORER 38 (RAE-A) (03307)

COSPAR: 1968-055A | Alt Name: RAE 1

Image
EXPLORER 38 (RAE-A) Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

July 4, 1968

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC2E

Launch Vehicle

Thor Delta J

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

03307

International Designator

1968-055A

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 21:12:40 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

120.81°

Right Ascension

180.31°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

284.17°

Period

224.10 min

Mean Motion

6.43 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info

Name

EXPLORER 38 (RAE-A)

Alternative Name

RAE 1

Type

Payload

Status

Unknown

Owner

GSFC

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 03307U 68055A   26200.88379715 -.00000010  00000+0  00000+0 0  9995
2 03307 120.8063 180.3105 0017176 284.1674  75.7020 06.42557051361531

Source: Celestrak

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

0.8

Diameter

0.9

Span

228

Dry Mass

189

Launch Mass

189

Shape

Cyl + 4 Ant

Radar Cross Section

15.7157

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

RAE A

Purpose

Radio Astronomy

Mission

Radio Astronomy

Manufacturer

GSFC/FAIRH

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

RAE

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

Star-17

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

4 fixed solar arrays, batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Map
This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

Space Brief 5 May 2025

Space Brief 5 May 2025

Today's brief covers the Army's move to create a space career field for enlisted soldiers, Terran Orbital's involvement in a Space Force tech program, advancements in missile warning systems, a first flight test by Inversion Space, and more.

Musk Locks In SpaceX Control With Trillion-Dollar Stake | KeepTrack X Report

Musk Locks In SpaceX Control With Trillion-Dollar Stake | KeepTrack X Report

Elon Musk moves to make himself unfireable at SpaceX as AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon back a rival D2D joint venture challenging Starlink Mobile.

Space Brief 6 Oct 2025

Space Brief 6 Oct 2025

Today's highlights include Firefly's acquisition of SciTec, DARPA's vision for a moon economy, and ESA's new deep space antenna in Australia. Stay updated on the latest in space intelligence and defense technology transformations, plus noteworthy rogue planet phenomena.

X Report 1 Apr 2025

X Report 1 Apr 2025

SpaceX launches its first crewed mission over Earth's poles and FAA concludes investigation into the Starship Flight 7 incident.

Space Brief 26 Jun 2025

Space Brief 26 Jun 2025

Exploring new defense agreements with Eutelsat, advances in U.S. Space Force projects, and updates on NATO's strategic discussions.

Apogee and Perigee

Apogee and Perigee

Understanding the high and low points of every orbit - from the International Space Station's careful dance with Earth's atmosphere to the extreme ellipses that take satellites to the edge of space and back.

X Report 27 Apr 2025

X Report 27 Apr 2025

SpaceX gears up for two major Starlink launches, while regulatory challenges slow progress in India.

Space Brief 16 Dec 2024

Space Brief 16 Dec 2024

Today's briefing covers the ULA's military application for Vulcan's upper stage, FAA's efforts to expedite launch licensing, and a fascinating flyby of Mercury by BepiColombo.