_otd-in-space-april-23-ranger-4-launches-on-failed-moon-mission.jpg "OTD In Space – April 23: Ranger 4 Launches On Failed Moon Mission from smoke signals Video Screenshot Preview")
GalleryPlay Video:
(Note: The default playback of the video is HD VERSION. If your browser is buffering the video slowly, please play the REGULAR MP4 VERSION or Open The Video below for better experience. Thank you!)
⏲ Duration: 1:5
👁 View: 3.9M times
✓ Published: 23-Apr-2024
👁 View: 3.9M times
✓ Published: 23-Apr-2024
Description:
On April 23, 1962, NASA launched the Ranger 4 mission to the moon. <br/><br/>After the first three Ranger missions failed, NASA was really happy with the successful launch of Ranger 4. But the fun didn't last long. After a picture-perfect launch on an Atlas-Agena rocket, Ranger 4 stopped transmitting telemetry data. Tracking stations picked up an empty signal from its radio transponder. Without that telemetry, mission control couldn't confirm that the spacecraft had deployed its solar panels and high-gain antenna. When they tried to send commands to its on-board computers, they got no response. They could tell from fluctuations in the radio signal that Ranger 4 had not stabilized itself like it was supposed to. Instead, it was tumbling around in space with its solar panels still tucked in to its sides. While the mission was essentially a failure at that point, Ranger 4 did become the first American spacecraft to reach the moon. It crashed into the moon's far side three days after the launch.
On April 23, 1962, NASA launched the Ranger 4 mission to the moon. <br/><br/>After the first three Ranger missions failed, NASA was really happy with the successful launch of Ranger 4. But the fun didn't last long. After a picture-perfect launch on an Atlas-Agena rocket, Ranger 4 stopped transmitting telemetry data. Tracking stations picked up an empty signal from its radio transponder. Without that telemetry, mission control couldn't confirm that the spacecraft had deployed its solar panels and high-gain antenna. When they tried to send commands to its on-board computers, they got no response. They could tell from fluctuations in the radio signal that Ranger 4 had not stabilized itself like it was supposed to. Instead, it was tumbling around in space with its solar panels still tucked in to its sides. While the mission was essentially a failure at that point, Ranger 4 did become the first American spacecraft to reach the moon. It crashed into the moon's far side three days after the launch.
Share with your friends:
Whatsapp | Viber | Telegram | Line | SMS
Email | Twitter | Reddit | Tumblr | Pinterest
_smoke-signals-trailer.webp "LionsgateVOD")
_phoebe-bridgers-smoke-signals-official-music-video.webp "Phoebe Bridgers")
_western-australians-honour-anzac-legacy-through-generational-traditions.webp "Thousands woke before dark for the Anzac Day dawn service honouring those who's served in conflicts. While each year the ranks of old soldiers continue to decline their spirit is being kept alive by the following generations, this year including new activities for families signalling change.")
_smoke-signals-3-12-movie-clip-how-to-be-a-real-indian-1998-hd.webp "Movieclips")
_smoke-signals-trailer.jpg)
_phoebe-bridgers-smoke-signals-official-music-video.jpg)
_western-australians-honour-anzac-legacy-through-generational-traditions.jpg)
_smoke-signals-3-12-movie-clip-how-to-be-a-real-indian-1998-hd.jpg)
![[+]](/images/menu.gif){kind=small}