Pioneer IV
Re-entered 3 Mar 1959Pioneer IV (NORAD 113, COSPAR 1959 NU 1) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 3 Mar 1959, launched on 3 Mar 1959 on the Pioneer 4 mission. It is catalogued as Pioneer 4. It was operated by ABMA as part of the Pioneer (Army) programme. The spacecraft was built by JPL on the Juno II Probe bus, with a mass of 7 kg. Like most satellites in low orbits, it was gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until re-entry. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
Lifecycle
Specifications
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Pioneer IV?
Pioneer IV re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 3 Mar 1959, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1959. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.
When did Pioneer IV re-enter the atmosphere?
Pioneer IV re-entered on 3 Mar 1959, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.
Who operated and built Pioneer IV?
Pioneer IV was operated by ABMA and built by JPL (US).