EXPLORER 51 (AE-C) (06977)

COSPAR: 1973-101A | Alt Name: AE-C
DECAYED

Image
EXPLORER 51 (AE-C) Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

December 16, 1973

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC2W

Launch Vehicle

Delta 1900

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

06977

International Designator

1973-101A

Decay Date

12/12/1978

Basic Satellite Info

Name

EXPLORER 51 (AE-C)

Alternative Name

AE-C

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

GSFC

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

1.1

Diameter

1.4

Span

1.4

Dry Mass

500

Launch Mass

668

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

6.488

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

AE-C

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

RCA

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

AE-C

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

MRE-4

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Unknown

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

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