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Ranger 3
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Status
Launch Successful
The launch vehicle successfully inserted its payload(s) into the target orbit(s).
Description
Ranger 3 was a spacecraft designed to transmit pictures of the lunar surface during the last 10 minutes prior to impacting the Moon. A malfunction in the booster guidance system resulted in excessive spacecraft speed. Ranger 3 missed the Moon by 36,800 km and is now in a heliocentric orbit.
Details
Type
Lunar Exploration
Orbit
Heliocentric N/A (Helio-N/A)
Location
Unknown
Date
Fri, Jan 26, 1962, 20:30
Rocket