NASA Beacon Explorer B Scout X-4
About the Beacon Explorer B Mission
| Type | Earth Science |
|---|---|
| Orbit | Low Earth Orbit |
The BE (Beacon Explorer) satellites provided Laser reflectors for geodetic measurements as well measured the electron density in the ionosphere.
Launch Pad & Location
Space Launch Complex 5
Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA
| Launches | 69 |
|---|---|
| Orbital Launch Attempts | 69 |
| Total Launches | 916 |
Vandenberg Space Force Base is a United States Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County, California. Established in 1941, Vandenberg Space Force Base is a space launch base, launching spacecraft from the Western Range, and also performs missile testing. The United States Space Force's Space Launch Delta 30 serves as the host delta for the base, equivalent to an Air Force air base wing. In addition to its military space launch mission, Vandenberg Space Force Base also hosts space launches for civil and commercial space entities, such as NASA and SpaceX.
Vought Scout X-4 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 | 25.0 m |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 1.0 m |
| Stages | 4 |
| Launch Mass | 17.0 T |
| Takeoff Thrust | 513.0 kN |
| LEO Capacity | 103 kg |
| Maiden Flight | 6/28/1963 |
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-4 Beacon Explorer B launch scheduled?
The NASA Scout X-4 Beacon Explorer B launch was scheduled for:
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Where did the NASA Scout X-4 Beacon Explorer B mission launch from?
The NASA Scout X-4 rocket launched from Space Launch Complex 5 at Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA. Vandenberg Space Force Base is a United States Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County, California. Established in 1941, Vandenberg Space Force Base is a space launch base, launching spacecraft from the Western Range, and also performs missile testing. The United States Space Force's Space Launch Delta 30 serves as the host delta for the base, equivalent to an Air Force air base wing. In addition to its military space launch mission, Vandenberg Space Force Base also hosts space launches for civil and commercial space entities, such as NASA and SpaceX.
What rocket was used for the Beacon Explorer B mission?
The Beacon Explorer B mission launched aboard a NASA Scout X-4 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-4 Beacon Explorer B launch?
The NASA Scout X-4 Beacon Explorer B 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-4 Beacon Explorer B launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest NASA Scout X-4 launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the Beacon Explorer B 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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