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Pioneer P 3 - NASA Satellite

Series: Pioneer Series
The mission was part of an aggressive push by the U.S. to orbit the Moon after the success of the Soviet Union's Luna program. Pioneer P-3 exploded moments after launch when the fiberglass nose faring broke apart.

Pioneer P 3 Mission Information

Mission Details

NamePioneer P 3
Launch DateNovember 26, 1959
Mission TypeUnmanned
TypeSatellite
Launch VehicleAble IVB
Launch SiteCape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 14, Florida
CollaborationUS Air Force Ballistic Missile Division

Satellite Details

ApplicationTo study Lunar Orbit
Scientific InstrumentIonization Chamber, Radiation Counter, Geiger-Mueller Tube, Magnetometer, Photo-Scanning Device, Micrometeoroid Detector, Aspect Indicator, Radio Receiver, Transponder
Mass372 Pounds (168.7 Kg)

Space Organization Details

CountryUnited States
ContinentNorth America
OrganizationNASA
View details on the NASA website

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