Explorer 43

Explorer 43
Explorer 43 satellite in space
NamesIMP-I
IMP-6
Interplanetary Monitoring Platform-6
Mission typeSpace physics
OperatorNASA
COSPAR ID1971-019A Edit this at Wikidata
SATCAT no.05043
Mission duration3.5 years (achieved)
Spacecraft properties
SpacecraftExplorer XLIII
Spacecraft typeInterplanetary Monitoring Platform
BusIMP
ManufacturerGoddard Space Flight Center
Launch mass635 kg (1,400 lb)
Dimensions135.64 cm (53.40 in) in diameter by 182.12 cm (71.70 in) high
Start of mission
Launch date13 March 1971, 16:15:00 GMT[1]
RocketThor-Delta M6
(Thor 562 / Delta 083)
Launch siteCape Canaveral, LC-17A
ContractorDouglas Aircraft Company
Entered service13 March 1971
End of mission
Decay date2 October 1974
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric orbit[2]
RegimeHighly elliptical orbit
Perigee altitude242 km (150 mi)
Apogee altitude196,574 km (122,145 mi)
Inclination28.70°
Period5626.00 minutes
Instruments
← IMP-G
IMP-H →
Delta M6 rocket with Explorer 43 at LC-17A

Explorer 43, also called IMP-I and IMP-6, was a NASA satellite launched as part of the Explorers program. Explorer 43 was launched on 13 March 1971 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS) with a Thor-Delta M6 launch vehicle. Explorer 43 was the sixth satellite of the Interplanetary Monitoring Platform.[3]

  1. ^ McDowell, Jonathan (21 July 2021). "Launch Log". Jonathan's Space Report. Retrieved 14 November 2021.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference Trajectory was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ "Display: Explorer 43 (IMP-I) 1971-019A". NASA. 28 October 2021. Retrieved 14 November 2021. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.