Explorer 8

Infobox_Spacecraft
Name = Explorer 8
Organization = NASA
Major_Contractors = Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Mission_Type = Earth science
Satellite_Of = Earth
Launch = November 3, 1960 at 05:16 UTC
Launch_Vehicle = Jupiter-C
Mission_Duration = 54 days
NSSDC_ID = 1960-014A
Webpage = [http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/database/MasterCatalog?sc=1960-014A NASA NSSDC Master Catalog]
Mass = 40.88 kg
Eccentricity = .120936
Inclination = 33.24°
Orbital_Period = 112.7 minutes
Apoapsis = 2,288 km
Periapsis = 417 km

Explorer 8 (1960-014A) is a U.S. research satellite launched on November 3, 1960. It confirmed the existence of a helium layer in the upper atmosphere. [cite web
url = http://www.gsfc.nasa.gov/gsfc/service/gallery/fact_sheets/spacesci/explorers.htm
title = Explorers: Searching the Universe Forty Years Later
accessdate = 2008-02-03
work = NASA Fact Sheets
publisher = Goddard Space Flight Center, NASA] Explorer 8 is still in Low Earth orbit. While no longer functional, in 2006 it unexpectedly received the world's attention as an example of the space junk that has been deployed with the lack of responsibility. [cite web
url = http://www.sustdev.org/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=1593
title = Global warming prolongs life of space debris
accessdate = 2008-02-04
date = 2006-12-13
Sustainable Development International]

References