60 years ago, a spin-stabilized spherical silver satellite soared into space and successfully studied the sky!
Launched April 3, 1963, @NASAGoddard's Explorer 17 measured the density, composition, pressure, and temperature of Earth's upper atmosphere: https://go.nasa.gov/3Kmz2Ah #NASAhistory
Weighing 405 lbs. (184 kg), this 35-inch (89-cm) pressurized stainless steel sphere measured the density, composition, pressure and temperature of Earth's atmosphere after its launch from Cape Canaveral on April 3, 1963.
BattyKat 🦇🐈⬛🦄
in reply to NASA • • •