NASA Explorer 16 Scout X-3
About the Explorer 16 Mission
| Type | Earth Science |
|---|---|
| Orbit | Low Earth Orbit |
| Launch Cost | $8,910,000 |
Explorer 16 was the second in the series of micrometeoroid satellites orbited by NASA. Its purpose was to obtain data on the near-earth meteoroid environment, thus providing an accurate estimate of the probability of penetration in spacecraft structures by meteoroids and allowing a more confident definition of the relationship between penetration flux and material thickness to be derived.
Launch Pad & Location
Launch Area 3
Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia, USA
| Launches | 13 |
|---|---|
| Orbital Launch Attempts | 10 |
| Total Launches | 87 |
Wallops Flight Facility is a rocket launch site on Wallops Island on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, United States, just east of the Delmarva Peninsula and north-northeast of Norfolk. The facility is operated by the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, and primarily serves to support science and exploration missions for NASA and other federal agencies. WFF includes an extensively instrumented range to support launches of more than a dozen types of sounding rockets; small expendable suborbital and orbital rockets; high-altitude balloon flights carrying scientific instruments for atmospheric and astronomical research; and, using its Research Airport, flight tests of aeronautical research aircraft, including uncrewed aerial vehicles.
Vought Scout X-3 Rocket
The Scout family of rockets were were American launch vehicles designed to place small satellites into orbit around the Earth. The Scout multistage rocket was the first orbital launch vehicle to be entirely composed of solid fuel stages.
| Length | 24.0 m |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 1.0 m |
| Stages | 4 |
| Launch Mass | 17.0 T |
| Takeoff Thrust | 513.0 kN |
| LEO Capacity | 87 kg |
| Launch Cost | $8,910,000 |
| Maiden Flight | 12/16/1962 |
About NASA
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is an independent agency of the executive branch of the United States federal government responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and aerospace research. NASA have many launch facilities but most are inactive. The most commonly used pad will be LC-39B at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
| Total Launches | 142 |
|---|---|
| Successful | 122 |
| Failed | 20 |
| Pending | 5 |
| Consecutive Success | 12 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the NASA Scout X-3 Explorer 16 launch scheduled?
The NASA Scout X-3 Explorer 16 launch was scheduled for:
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Where did the NASA Scout X-3 Explorer 16 mission launch from?
The NASA Scout X-3 rocket launched from Launch Area 3 at Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia, USA. Wallops Flight Facility is a rocket launch site on Wallops Island on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, United States, just east of the Delmarva Peninsula and north-northeast of Norfolk. The facility is operated by the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, and primarily serves to support science and exploration missions for NASA and other federal agencies. WFF includes an extensively instrumented range to support launches of more than a dozen types of sounding rockets; small expendable suborbital and orbital rockets; high-altitude balloon flights carrying scientific instruments for atmospheric and astronomical research; and, using its Research Airport, flight tests of aeronautical research aircraft, including uncrewed aerial vehicles.
What rocket was used for the Explorer 16 mission?
The Explorer 16 mission launched aboard a NASA Scout X-3 rocket. The Scout family of rockets were were American launch vehicles designed to place small satellites into orbit around the Earth. The Scout multistage rocket was the first orbital launch vehicle to be entirely composed of solid fuel stages. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
What weather conditions could have delayed the NASA Scout X-3 Explorer 16 launch?
The NASA Scout X-3 Explorer 16 launch could have been delayed by various weather conditions including lightning within 10 nautical miles, high winds (especially upper-level winds), thick cloud layers, precipitation, and poor visibility. Weather must be favorable at the launch site, downrange landing zones, and abort landing sites.
How can I get updates if the NASA Scout X-3 Explorer 16 launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest NASA Scout X-3 launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the Explorer 16 mission. You can also check our space launch schedule for historical launch information. Our mobile app provides push notifications for instant alerts about launch status changes. Official NASA live streams provided the most immediate range updates during the launch window.
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