United States Air Force GRS Scout X-4
About the GRS Mission
| Type | Earth Science |
|---|---|
| Orbit | Low Earth Orbit |
GRS (Geophysical Research Satellite) was a geophysics experiment test built by the Cambridge Research Lab (CRL). Data was obtained for 13 orbits, after which time the satellite ceased working due to a failure in the primary power supply.
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-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 United States Air Force
The United States Air Force (USAF) is the air service branch of the United States Armed Forces, and is one of the eight uniformed services of the United States. Originally created on 1 August 1907, as a part of the United States Army Signal Corps, the USAF was established as a separate branch of the United States Armed Forces in 1947 with the enactment of the National Security Act of 1947.
| Total Launches | 1,078 |
|---|---|
| Successful | 972 |
| Failed | 106 |
| Consecutive Success | 68 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the United States Air Force Scout X-4 GRS launch scheduled?
The United States Air Force Scout X-4 GRS launch was scheduled for:
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Where did the United States Air Force Scout X-4 GRS mission launch from?
The United States Air Force Scout X-4 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 GRS mission?
The GRS mission launched aboard a United States Air Force 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 United States Air Force Scout X-4 GRS launch?
The United States Air Force Scout X-4 GRS 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 United States Air Force Scout X-4 GRS launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest United States Air Force Scout X-4 launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the GRS 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 United States Air Force live streams provided the most immediate range updates during the launch window.
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