Explorer S-45 was a NASA satellite, which was lost in a launch failure in February 1961. The satellite was intended to operate in a highly elliptical orbit, from which it was to have provided data on the shape of the ionosphere, and on the Earth's magnetic field. It was part of the Explorer program, and would have been designated Explorer 10 had it reached orbit. A second identical satellite, Explorer S-45A, also failed to achieve orbit when it was launched.
NASA Explorer S-45 mission; ionosphere beacon satellite fails to reach Earth orbit
Explorer S-45 was a NASA satellite, which was lost in a launch failure in February 1961.
Historical Significance
Explorer S-45 was a NASA satellite, which was lost in a launch failure in February 1961.
Events Before
Fausto Coppi dies
Fausto Coppi cyclist, known for italian cyclist, died on 1960-01-02. Angelo Fausto Coppi was an Italian cyclist, the dominant international cyclist of the years after the Second World War.
A photograph of a 13-year-old South African boy in a torn vest working in a mine is published in the Daily Herald; emplo
A photograph of a 13-year-old South African boy in a torn vest working in a mine is published in the Daily Herald; employing a 'native' under 18 in the mines is illegal under the Native Labour Regulation Act
LaMar Clark sets pro boxing record of 44 consecutive knockouts
LaMar Clark sets pro boxing record of 44 consecutive knockouts
Comedic actor Bob Denver (25) weds Maggie Ryan in California
Comedic actor Bob Denver (25) weds Maggie Ryan in California
American songwriter Adolph Green (45) weds (for 3rd and final time) American actress and singer Phyllis Newman (24) in N
American songwriter Adolph Green (45) weds (for 3rd and final time) American actress and singer Phyllis Newman (24) in NYC, until his death in 2002
Events After
Belgium grants Rwanda internal self-governance
Belgium grants Rwanda internal self-governance
John Glenn becomes the first American to orbit Earth aboard Friendship 7
John Herschel Glenn Jr. (July 18, 1921 – December 8, 2016) was an American Marine Corps aviator, astronaut, businessman, and politician.
Philadelphia center Wilt Chamberlain scores 100 points, the most ever by an NBA player in a single game, in the Warriors
Philadelphia center Wilt Chamberlain scores 100 points, the most ever by an NBA player in a single game, in the Warriors' 169-147 win over the NY Knicks in Hershey; 36-of-63 from the field, 28-of-32 from the free-throw line
Five research groups announce the discovery of antimatter
Five research groups announce the discovery of antimatter
Stan Musial scores his 1,869th run, setting a new National League record
Stan Musial scores his 1,869th run, setting a new National League record
More from the 1960s
Apollo 11 Moon Landing
NASA's Apollo 11 mission successfully lands the first humans on the Moon. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin become the first people to walk on the lunar surface.
space exploration
Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" Speech
Martin Luther King Jr. delivers his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, calling for an end to racism in the United States.
civil rightspolitics government
birth
Tommy Morrison is born
Tommy Morrison, American professional boxer, known for american boxer, was born on 1969-01-02.
birth
Gabrielle Carteris is born
Gabrielle Carteris is born
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on February 24, 1961?
- Explorer S-45 was a NASA satellite, which was lost in a launch failure in February 1961. The satellite was intended to operate in a highly elliptical orbit, from which it was to have provided data on the shape of the ionosphere, and on the Earth's magnetic field. It was part of the Explorer program, and would have been designated Explorer 10 had it reached orbit.
- Why is NASA Explorer S-45 mission; ionosphere beacon satellite fails to reach Earth ... significant?
- Explorer S-45 was a NASA satellite, which was lost in a launch failure in February 1961.