Dynamics Explorer 1

Dynamics Explorer 1
Dynamics Explorer 1 (Explorer 62) in the bottom and Dynamics Explorer 2 (Explorer 63) in the top
NamesExplorer 62
DE-A
Dynamics Explorer-A
Mission typeSpace physics
OperatorNASA
COSPAR ID1981-070A Edit this at Wikidata
SATCAT no.12624
Mission duration1 year (planned)
10 years (achieved)
Spacecraft properties
SpacecraftExplorer LXII
Spacecraft typeDynamics Explorer
BusDE
ManufacturerGoddard Space Flight Center
Launch mass424 kg (935 lb)
Dimensions137 cm (54 in) in diameter and 115 cm (45 in) high
Power86 watts
Start of mission
Launch date3 August 1981, 09:56 UTC
RocketThor-Delta 3913
(Thor 642 / Delta 155)
Launch siteVandenberg, SLC-2W
ContractorDouglas Aircraft Company
Entered service3 August 1981
End of mission
Deactivated28 February 1991
Last contact28 February 1991
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric orbit[1]
RegimeHighly elliptical orbit
Perigee altitude567.60 km (352.69 mi)
Apogee altitude23,289.00 km (14,471.11 mi)
Inclination89.90°
Period409.00 minutes
Instruments
Auroral Physics Theory
Controlled and Naturally Occurring Wave Particle Interactions Theory
Energetic Ion Composition Spectrometer (EICS)
High Altitude Plasma Instrument (HAPI)
Magnetic Field Observations Triaxial Fluxgate Magnetometer (MAG-A)
Plasma Waves Instrument (PWI)
Retarding Ion Mass Spectrometer (RIMS)
Spin Scan Auroral Imager (SAI)

Dynamics Explorer 1 (DE-1 or Explorer 62) was a NASA high-altitude mission, launched on 3 August 1981, and terminated on 28 February 1991. It consisted of two satellites, DE-1 and DE-2, whose purpose was to investigate the interactions between plasmas in the magnetosphere and those in the ionosphere. The two satellites were launched together into polar coplanar orbits, which allowed them to simultaneously observe the upper and lower parts of the atmosphere.[2]

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  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference Display was invoked but never defined (see the help page).