Sphinx (satellite)

Sphinx
Sphinx
OperatorNASA
Spacecraft properties
SpacecraftSpace Plasma High Voltage Interaction Experiment
Spacecraft typeSatellite
Expedition
BeganFebruary 11, 1974
Start of mission
RocketTitan 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

References

  1. ^ a b c d "NASA - NSSDCA - Spacecraft - Details". nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov. Retrieved February 14, 2017.
  2. ^ "Titan/Centaur failure is severe setback for NASA". New Scientist. February 21, 1974. Retrieved March 2, 2022.


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