Pioneer 8
Re-entered 16 Jan 1968Pioneer 8 (NORAD 3066, COSPAR 1967-123A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 16 Jan 1968, launched on 13 Dec 1967 on the Pioneer C mission. It is catalogued as Pioneer C. It was operated by ARC as part of the Solar Pioneer programme. The spacecraft was built by TRW on the Solar Pioneer bus, with a mass of 65 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 8?
Pioneer 8 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 16 Jan 1968, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1967. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.
When did Pioneer 8 re-enter the atmosphere?
Pioneer 8 re-entered on 16 Jan 1968, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.
How long was Pioneer 8 operational?
Pioneer 8 was operational for roughly 19 years, from 1 Jan 1982 to 1 Jun 2001.
Who operated and built Pioneer 8?
Pioneer 8 was operated by ARC and built by TRW (US).