Sphinx (satellite)
 Sphinx | |
| Operator | NASA |
|---|---|
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Spacecraft | Space Plasma High Voltage Interaction Experiment |
| Spacecraft type | Satellite |
| Expedition | |
| Began | February 11, 1974 |
| Start of mission | |
| Rocket | Titan IIIE Centaur |
Sphinx is the designation of an American test satellite. The Sphinx satellite was the payload for the first Titan IIIE Centaur rocket. It was launched on February 11, 1974 from a Titan IIIE Centaur. However, the rocket did not reach Earth orbit[1] because the second stage failed to ignite, at which point the range safety officer ordered the rocket destroyed.[2] The satellite was destroyed along with its support, the launched with the Viking Dynamic Simulator.[1]
SPHINX stood for Space Plasma High Voltage Interaction Experiment.[1] It was designed to test high-voltage equipment in outer space.[1]
See also
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References
[edit]- ^ a b c d "NASA - NSSDCA - Spacecraft - Details". nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov. Retrieved February 14, 2017.
- ^ "Titan/Centaur failure is severe setback for NASA". New Scientist. February 21, 1974. Retrieved March 2, 2022.
External links
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