Explorer 54 (Atmosphere Explorer-D / AE-D), a NASA polar-orbit atmospheric research satellite studying thermosphere and ionosphere photochemistry at high latitudes. Delta 2910 from Vandenberg SLC-2W placed the ~676 kg craft in elliptical polar orbit on 6 October 1975; solar-panel failure ended operations after ~4 months.
- Outcome
- Success
- Orbit
- Elliptical
- Elliptical orbit
- Payload to orbit
- 675 kg
- Flight
- 3rd
- of 6 Delta 2910 flights
- Date and time
- 6 October 1975, 09:00 UTC
- Rocket
- Delta 2910
- Builder
- McDonnell Douglas
- Launch site
- Space Launch Complex 2W, Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA
- Payload
- Earth Science
- International designator
- 1975-096
- Launches in 1975
- 100th of 132
See it in orbit
Space Atlas shows the satellites and rocket stages from this launch in 3D.
View satellites in Space Atlas