Photo: NASA · Public domain (US government)
About this launch
Ranger 4 was a spacecraft designed to softly impact the lunar surface. Its solar panels were never extended and its sun and earth acquisition system was not initiated due to a failure of a timer in its central computer. It impacted the far side of the Moon on April 26 after 64 hours of flight.
More about this launch
Launch window and padCape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA
- Site
- Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA
Rocket and boosterAtlas LV-3 Agena B
- Vehicle
- Atlas LV-3 Agena B
Atlas LV-3 Agena B: specs, record and next flights → US Air Force: all its launches →
MissionLunar Exploration · Lunar Impactor
Lunar Exploration · Lunar Impactor
What it put in orbit2 catalogued objects
| Object | Type | Orbit | Globe |
|---|---|---|---|
| RANGER 4 1962-012A | Payload | re-entered 1962-04-26 | |
| ATLAS AGENA B R/B 1962-012B | Rocket body | orbits the Sun |
COSPAR ID 1962-012. Orbits from the CelesTrak satellite catalogue (perigee × apogee, inclination).
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