Mission
Earth Science · LEO
Explorer 20 (IE A, Ionospheric Explorer A, TOPSI, Top Side Explorer or S 48) was designed to measure electron distribution, ion density and temperature, and to estimate cosmic noise levels between 2 and 7 MHz.
What it put in orbit
| Object | Type | Orbit | Globe |
|---|---|---|---|
| EXPLORER 20 1964-051A | Payload | 852 × 993 km · 79.9° | Globe |
| SCOUT X-4 R/B 1964-051B | Rocket body | 829 × 954 km · 79.9° | Globe |
| SCOUT X-4 DEB 1964-051C | Debris | re-entered 1968-04-18 | |
| SCOUT X-4 DEB 1964-051D | Debris | re-entered 1968-06-17 | |
| SCOUT X-4 DEB 1964-051E | Debris | re-entered 1968-09-16 | |
| SCOUT X-4 DEB 1964-051F | Debris | re-entered 2024-12-19 |
COSPAR ID 1964-051 (data from GCAT, J. McDowell, CC BY 4.0). Orbits from the CelesTrak satellite catalogue (perigee × apogee, inclination).