Explorer

Explorer-series
satellites
(except Explorer-1)


This page contains philatelic information on the Explorer-series satellites. Catalog numbers, years of issue, and notes on the satellites featured are given when available. If readers know of additional information or images, please contact the authors using the e-mail addresses at the bottom of this page.

This page includes all of the Explorer series, except the Explorer-1 satellite which is covered separately.

Some of the Explorer-series satellites had additional names that make them part of other satellite series: Injun, SolRad, GEOS, and ISEE / ICE. When applicable these additional names are included in the table below. In particular, the following satellite names and numbers were synonymous:

InjunSolRadGEOSISEE
  • Explorer-25 = Injun-4
  • Explorer-40 = Injun-5
  • Explorer-52 = Injun-6
  • Explorer-30 = SolRad-8
  • Explorer-37 = SolRad-9
  • Explorer-44 = SolRad-10
  • Explorer-29 = GEOS-1
  • Explorer-36 = GEOS-2
  • Explorer-56 = ISEE-1
  • Explorer-59 = ISEE-3 (renamed ICE in 1983)

Many other Explorers had other single-use names as well, especially for the latter Explorers where the "other" name is more common than the Explorer name and number.

The numbering of the Explorer-series satellites is consistent among sources only through Explorer-55. Beyond that number there is controversy over what constitutes an Explorer satellite. Of the numbered Explorer satellites, only Explorer-2 and Explorer-5 failed but were numbered in sequence. This occurred before it was common practice to delay final numbering until a launch was successful.

Launch information
(found in the scientific/research satellites page)
Launch covers, anniversary-of-launch covers, and launch-related event covers
(farther below)
Postal items (stamps, souvenir sheets, aerogrammes, postal cards, etc.)
(immediately below)
Explorer Explorer (except Explorer-1) Explorer (except Explorer-1)


Below is a list of Explorer-series postal items (stamps, souvenir sheets, aerogrammes, postal cards, etc.).

CountryCatalog Number*Type of Item**Year of IssueNotes on Content
Explorer-series (except Explorer-1)
AjmanMi2641968Explorer-14
AjmanBL35Embossed perforate and imperforate MS2 (like Mi261+264)
Ajman StateMi2782One of MS8 + 8 labels1973Explorer-20
Ajman StateMi2783One of MS8 + 8 labels1973Explorer-22/27
Ajman StateMi2785One of MS8 + 8 labels1973Explorer-17
Ajman StateiMi2782One of imperforate MS8 + 8 labels1973Explorer-20
Ajman StateiMi2783One of imperforate MS8 + 8 labels1973Explorer-22/27
Ajman StateiMi2785One of imperforate MS8 + 8 labels1973Explorer-17
Ajman StatesMi2782One of small MS8 + 8 labels (changed colors)1973Explorer-20
Ajman StatesMi2783One of small MS8 + 8 labels (changed colors)1973Explorer-22/27
Ajman StatesMi2785One of small MS8 + 8 labels (changed colors)1973Explorer-17
Ajman StateMi2782 dsDeluxe sheet1973Explorer-20
Ajman StateMi2783 dsDeluxe sheet1973Explorer-22/27
Ajman StateMi2785 dsDeluxe sheet1973Explorer-17
Angola1108c (Mi1426)One of MS6 (1108 (a-f))1999Explorer-42
Angola1110a (Mi1444)One of MS6 (1110 (a-f))1999Explorer-17
Antigua and Barbuda2243e (Mi2926)One of MS6 (2243 (a-f))1999Explorer-57 / IUE
Antigua and Barbuda3014 (Mi?)On stamps and in (right) margin of MS6 (3014 (2x (a-c)))2008Explorer-3
Antigua and Barbuda3016 (Mi?)On stamps and in (right) margin of MS4 (3016 (2x (a-b)))
Antigua and Barbuda3018 (BL?)SS1
Ascension388 (Mi397)1986Explorer-59 / ISEE-3 / ICE
AustriaNoneCancel1962Explorer-12/14/151 (with folded solar panels and last stage attached)
Belgium670 (Mi?)1966Explorer-17
Belgium666+669-670 fdc1Stamp and cancel and cachet on FDC1966Explorer-17, Explorer-20
Belgium666+669-670 fdc2Stamp, and cachet on FDC1966Explorer-17, Explorer-20 (respectively)
BelgiumLocalIn (lower-left, and lower-middle) margins of imperforate MS21963?Explorer-13/16/232, Explorer-812 (respectively)
Bernera Islands (Scotland)Local_bOne of MS8 (a-h)1978Explorer-20
Bernera Islands (Scotland)Local_b (o/p1)One of MS8 overprinted in black1998Explorer-20
Bernera Islands (Scotland)Local_b (o/p2)One of MS8 overprinted in red1998Explorer-20
Birobidjan-JewishLocalBernera local b overprinted on Russia 5733, also overprint template1995Explorer-20
Brazil1035 fdcCachet on FDC1967Explorer-7
Burkina Faso1015B (BL?)In (upper-left) margin of SS11995Explorer-12/14/151
Burundi588 (Mi1582)1981Explorer-20
Burundi588aMS3 (586-588)1981Explorer-20
CamerounC99 (Mi533)1968Explorer-6 image
Central Africa Republic663 (BL283A)In (lower-right) margin of SS11984Explorer-66 / COBE (first design)9
Central Africa Republic843 (Mi1258)1986Explorer-59 / ISEE-3 / ICE
ChadBL249In (upper-left) margin of SS11996Explorer-17 (not Explorer-23)10
Chad708f (Mi1510)One of MS6 (708 (a-f))1997Explorer-56 / ISEE-13
Comoro Islands737a (BL326A)
i737a (BL326B)
In (upper-left) margin of SS1 (737)1990Explorer-66 / COBE (final design)9
Congo (Republic)C53 (Mi134)
iC53
1967Explorer-611
Djibouti610a (Mi120A)In (right) margin of SS1 (610)1986Explorer-59 / ISEE-3 / ICE
Dominica2237a (Mi2902)From MS6 (2237 (a-f))2000Explorer-14
Dominica2237d (Mi2905)Explorer-16
Egypt1211 (Mi906)1983Explorer-32 ?
French Southern and Antarctic TerritoriesC53 (Mi121)1977/9Explorer-52 / Injun-6
FujeiraMi711966Explorer-7
FujeiraMi150Mi71 overprinted new currency1967Explorer-7
FujeiraMi347Mi71 overprinted "Apollo-8"1969Explorer-7
FujeiraMiA77Mi71 gold foil1969Explorer-7
Gambia609 (Mi615)1986Explorer-59 / ISEE-3 / ICE
Gambia655 (Mi661)609 overprinted in silver1986Explorer-59 / ISEE-3 / ICE
Gambia2170 (Mi3272)1999Explorer-66 / COBE (final design)9
Gambia2268a (Mi3698)From MS6 (2268 (a-f))2000Explorer-42
Gambia2268c (Mi3700)Explorer-57 / IUE
Gambia2268a essayFrom MS6 (2268 essay (a-f))Explorer-42
Gambia2268c essayExplorer-57 / IUE
Gambia2269f (Mi3709)One of MS6 (2269 (a-f))Explorer-18
Gambia2269f essayOne of MS6 (2269 imperforate essay (a-f))
Germany (West)NoneCancel1970Explorer-59 / ISEE-3 / ICE
Germany (West)NoneCancel1971Explorer-13/16/232
GermanyNoneMeter on cover1995Explorer-66 / COBE (final design)9
Ghana164 (Mi170)1964Explorer-812
Ghana165 (Mi171)
Ghana166 (Mi172)
Ghana166a (BL9)On all four stamps and in (left, lower) margins of imperforate MS4 (4x 166)Explorer-812, Explorer-13/16/232 (respectively)
Ghana186 (Mi185)1964Explorer-812
Ghana186aMS12 (12x 186)
Ghana187 (Mi186)
Ghana187aMS12 (12x 187)
Ghana188 (Mi187)
Ghana188aMS12 (12x 186)
Great BritainNoneCachet on cover back1982Explorer-22/27
Grenada Carriacou2205d (Mi?)From MS6 (2205 (a-f))2000Unknown (not Explorer-16)5
Grenada Carriacou2205e (Mi?)Explorer-57 / IUE (not Astro-Challenger)6
Grenada Carriacou2205e essayOne of MS6 (2205 essay (a-f))2000Explorer-57 / IUE (correctly labeled)
Grenada Carriacou2206d (Mi?)One of MS6 (2206 (a-f))2000Explorer-16
Grenada Carriacou2206d essayOne of MS6 (2206 essay (a-f))
Guinea RepublicMi45442006Explorer-71 / ACE
Guinea RepublicBL1110
iBL1110
On one of MS2
Guinea RepublicMi45412006Explorer-73 / TRACE
Guinea RepublicBL1109
iBL1109
On one of MS2
Guinea RepublicBL1107
iBL1107
In (upper) margin of MS22006Explorer-81 / HESSI
Guinea RepublicBL1107-1108 fdc1On one of two MS2 on FDC
Guinea RepublicBL1107-1108 fdc2On one of two MS2 on FDC (different)
Guinea RepublicBL1109
iBL1109
In (upper) margin of MS2
Guinea-BissauUnknown (new issue)2007Explorer-83 / GALEX
Guinea-BissauUnknown fdc (new issue)SS1 on FDC
Hungary2972 (Mi3807)1986Explorer-59 / ISEE-3 / ICE
Korea (North)1448 (Mi1494)1976Explorer-611
Korea (South)1289 fdcCancel on FDC1982Explorer-29 (GEOS-1)
Malagasy Republic797 (Mi1063)1987Explorer-59 / ISEE-3 / ICE
Malagasy Republic797a (BL48)SS1 (797)
Malagasy Republic1536c (Mi2475)From MS6 (1536 (a-f)) (Mi2473-2478)2000Explorer-59 / ISEE-3 / ICE
Malagasy Republic1536d (Mi2476)Explorer-64 / SME
Malagasy Republic1539f (Mi2496)One of MS6 (1539 (a-f)) (Mi2491-2496)2000Explorer-66 / COBE (first design)9
Maldive Islands147a (Mi155)In (upper-right) margin of MS9 (9x 147)1965Explorer-18
Maldive Islands148a (Mi156)In (upper-right) margin of MS9 (9x 148)
Maldive Islands149a (Mi157)In (upper-right) margin of MS9 (9x 149)
Maldive Islands150a (Mi158)In (upper-right) margin of MS9 (9x 150)
MaliUnknown a (new issue)
Unknown a (imperf.)
One of MS2 (a-b), also imperforate MS22006Explorer-59 / ISEE-3 / ICE
ManamaMi94A
Mi94B
1968Explorer-14
ManamaBL8Embossed perforate and imperforate MS2 (like Mi91+94)1968Explorer-14
Mauritania619 (Mi889A)
i619 (Mi889B)
One of MS4 (622b (619-622))1986Explorer-59 / ISEE-3 / ICE
Mauritania619a (BL?)SS1 (619)
Micronesia344p (Mi736)From MS20 (344 (a-t))1999Explorer-59 / ISEE-3 / ICE (not SMM repair)4
Micronesia344q (Mi737)SMM repair (not Explorer-59 / ISEE-3 / ICE)4
MongoliaC33d (Mi739)One of MS12 (C33 (a-l))1972Explorer-611
Niger1078e (Mi1930)One of MS9 (1078 (a-i))2001Explorer-77 / FUSE
Nigeria143a (Mi134)In (lower-left, lower-right) margins of MS12 (12x 143)1963Explorer-812, Explorer-12/14/151 (respectively)
Nigeria144a (Mi135)In (lower-left, lower-right) margins of MS12 (12x 144)
Nigeria174 (Mi165)1965Explorer-18
Nigeria174aMS12 (12x 174)
PanamaC334a (BL36)
iC334a (BL37)
In (lower) margin of MS2 (C333-C334), changed colors on imperforate1965Explorer-812
PanamaC336a
iC336a
In (lower-left) margin / (lower-left) margin of MS2 (C335-C336), changed colors on imperforate1965Explorer-812
Paraguay922 (Mi1522)
i922 (Mi1530)
Changed colors on imperforate1966Explorer-812
Paraguay926 (Mi1526)
i926 (Mi1534)
Changed colors on imperforate1966Explorer-812
Paraguay926a (BL79)
i926a (BL80)
SS1 (926), changed colors on imperforate
ParaguayC642 labelLabel from MS9 (C642a (5x C642 + 4 labels))1986Poorly-depicted Explorer-59 / ISEE-3 / ICE
Poland2715 (Mi3015)One of pair (2715a (2714-2715))1986Explorer-59 / ISEE-3 / ICE
RomaniaNoneCancel and cachet on cover1992Explorer-66 / COBE (final design)9
Rwanda136 (BL5)In (right, lower-middle, and lower-right) margins of MS2 (136 (a-b))1965Explorer-11, Explorer-8, Explorer-13/16/232 (respectively)
Satellite Beach FL (U.S.)LocalSet-C08 (blue)1964Explorer-16
Satellite Beach FL (U.S.)LocalSet-D02 (green)1964Explorer-14
Satellite Beach FL (U.S.)LocalSet-D04 (green)1964Explorer-17
Satellite Beach FL (U.S.)LocalSet-D06 (green)1964Explorer-20
Satellite Beach FL (U.S.)LocalSet-D07 (green)1964Explorer-10
Satellite Beach FL (U.S.)LocalSet-D09 (green)1964Explorer-18
Satellite Beach FL (U.S.)LocalSet-D10 (green)1964Explorer-9
Satellite Beach FL (U.S.)LocalSet-C08 (blue) overprinted new value in gold1965Explorer-16
Satellite Beach FL (U.S.)LocalSet-D02 (green) overprinted new value in gold1965Explorer-14
Satellite Beach FL (U.S.)LocalSet-D04 (green) overprinted new value in gold1965Explorer-17
Satellite Beach FL (U.S.)LocalSet-D06 (green) overprinted new value in gold1965Explorer-20
Satellite Beach FL (U.S.)LocalSet-D07 (green) overprinted new value in gold1965Explorer-10
Satellite Beach FL (U.S.)LocalSet-D09 (green) overprinted new value in gold1965Explorer-18
Satellite Beach FL (U.S.)LocalSet-D10 (green) overprinted new value in gold1965Explorer-9
Satellite Beach FL (U.S.)Local19??Explorer-30
Sharjah45 (Mi57A)
i45 (Mi57B)
1964Explorer-13
Sharjah45A45 overprinted new currency1967Explorer-13
Sharjah46 (Mi58A)
i46 (Mi58B)
1964Explorer-12
Sharjah46A46 overprinted new currency1967Explorer-12
Sierra Leone1074d (Mi?)One of MS9 (1074 (a-i))1989Explorer-57 / IUE
Staffa (Scotland)LocalOne of MS8 (a-h)1974Explorer-47
Staffa (Scotland)LocalOne of MS8 overprinted in silver1998Explorer-47
Umm Al QiwainMi851966Explorer-10
Umm Al QiwainMi96Mi85 overprinted new currency1967Explorer-10
United Nations112-113 fdc (Mi122-123 fdc)(Orbit) cachet on FDC1962Explorer-12
United StatesNone (blue)From INTERPEX MS4 (blue)1962Explorer-13/16/232 (not Explorer-S6)7
United StatesNone (blue)Explorer-12 (Explorer-S3, folded solar panels)
United StatesNone (blue)Explorer-S45
United StatesNone (yellow)From INTERPEX MS4 (yellow)1962Explorer-13/16/232 (not Explorer-S6)7
United StatesNone (yellow)Explorer-12 (Explorer-S3, folded solar panels)
United StatesNone (yellow)Explorer-S45
United StatesNone(Centennial?) cachet on Explorer-S66 launch cover1964possible Explorer-812
United StatesNone(Sarzin?) cachet on FR-1 launch cover1965Explorer-38/49
United StatesNone(HJM) cachet on OAO-1 launch cover1966Explorer-10 (upper-middle)
United StatesNone(HJM) cachet on ATS-1 launch cover1966Explorer-10 (upper-middle)
United StatesNone(HJM) cachet on ATS-2 launch cover1967Explorer-10 (upper-middle)
United StatesNone(HJM) cachet on ATS-3 launch cover1967Explorer-10 (upper-middle)
United StatesNone(HJM) cachet on OAO-2 launch cover1968Explorer-10 (upper-middle)
United StatesNoneCachet1971Explorer-45
United StatesNone(Space Voyage) cachet on ISEE-3 launch cover1978Explorer-56 / ISEE-1 (lower-right)
United StatesNoneCachet on cover2008Explorer-77 / FUSE (in text)
Yemen Arab RepublicMi906
Mi913
Changed colors on imperforate1969Explorer-611
Yemen Arab RepublicMi909
Mi916
Changed colors on imperforate1969Explorer-12/14/151 (not Explorer-7)8
Yemen Arab RepublicMi910_ims12In (lower-right) margin of imperforate MS12 (12x Mi910)1969Explorer-611
Yemen Arab RepublicMi911_ims12In (lower-right) margin of imperforate MS12 (12x Mi911)1969Explorer-611
Yemen Arab RepublicMi912_ims12In (lower-right) margin of imperforate MS12 (12x Mi912)1969Explorer-611
Yemen Arab RepublicMi913_ims12On stamp and in (lower-right) margin of imperforate MS12 (12x Mi913)1969Explorer-611
Yemen Arab RepublicMi914_ims12In (lower-right) margin of imperforate MS12 (12x Mi914)1969Explorer-611
Yemen Arab RepublicMi915_ims12In (lower-right) margin of imperforate MS12 (12x Mi915)1969Explorer-611
Yemen Arab RepublicMi916_ims12On stamp and in (lower-right) margin of imperforate MS12 (12x Mi916)1969Explorer-12/14/151 (not Explorer-7)8, Explorer-611
Yemen Arab RepublicMi922
Mi929
Changed colors on imperforate1969Explorer-10
Yemen Arab RepublicC87 (Mi1698)
C87_ds
Also imperforate deluxe sheet1982Explorer-13/16/232
Yemen Arab RepublicC91 (Mi1702)
C91_ds
Also imperforate deluxe sheet1982Explorer-12/14/151
Yemen Arab RepublicC141 (Mi?)C91 overprinted1993Explorer-12/14/151

*Scott catalog number, unless prefixed with Mi or BL for Michel; "i" prefix denotes imperforate version; "s" prefix denotes smaller version.
**FDC = first day cover; SS# = souvenir sheet, MS# = miniature sheet, where # = number of stamps in sheet, and the numbers in parentheses are the catalog numbers of the stamps in the sheet.

1Explorer-12, 14, and 15, Electrostatic Particle Explorers (EPE-A/B/C) are all basically identical.
2Explorer-13, 16, and 23 are Explorer-S55-A/B/C, all basically identical.
3Two satellites stacked together (ISEE-1 / Explorer-56, and ISEE-2).
4The captions on Micronesia 344p and 344q are transposed: SMM (Solar Maximum Mission) repair, and Explorer-59 / ISEE-3 / ICE.
5Not Explorer-16 as indicated on this item.
6Explorer-57 / IUE, not Astro-Challenger as indicated on this item.
7Explorer-13/16/23, not Explorer-S6 as indicated on this item.
8Explorer-12/14/15, not Explorer-7 as indicated on this item.
9COBE (first design) was intended for Space Shuttle launch; COBE (final design) was intended for rocket launch.
10Explorer-17, not Explorer-23 as indicated on this item.
11Both Explorer-6 and Pioneer-5 were "paddlewheel" satellites. It is believed that Explorer-6 contained two short antennas on its "top", whereas Pioneer-5 contained only a single short antenna. When there are no antennas on top, the distinction is unclear, but of the two, Pioneer-5 is assumed.
12The images of Explorer-8 on these items have straight antennas on the bottom, as opposed to loop antennas on reference images for Explorer-8.


Below is a list of Explorer-series launch covers, anniversary-of-launch covers, and launch-related event covers.


CountryCancel DateCancel LocationType of ItemNotes on Content
Explorer-series (except Explorer-1)
Explorer-3
United States1958-03-23?Port Canaveral FL(Sarzin) cachet on coverExplorer-3 launch [launch date is 1958-03-26]
United States1958-03-26Patrick AFB, FL(Fleetwood printed and Epps blue rubber-stamp) cachets on coverExplorer-3 launch
United States1958-03-26Patrick AFB, FL(Goldcraft) cachet on coverExplorer-3 launch
United States1958-03-26Patrick AFB, FL(Goldcraft) cachet on (initially mis-identified as Vanguard-3) coverExplorer-3 launch
United States1958-03-26Patrick AFB, FL(? rubber-stamp) cachet on coverExplorer-3 launch
Explorer-4
United States1958-07-26?(? rubber-stamp) cachet on coverExplorer-4 launch
United States1958-07-26Patrick AFB, FL(Goldcraft) cachet on coverExplorer-4 launch (Vanguard-2 image)1
United States1958-07-26Patrick AFB, FL(? rubber-stamp) cachet on coverExplorer-4 launch
United States1958-07-26Port Canaveral FL(?) cachet on coverExplorer-4 launch
United States1958-07-26Port Canaveral FL(Sarzin) cachet on coverExplorer-4 launch
Explorer-6
United States1959-08-07Patrick AFB, FL(?) cachet on coverExplorer-6 (S2) launch (poorly-drawn image)
United States1959-08-07Merritt Island FL(Highway Stamp Club) cachet on coverExplorer-6 (S2) launch
United States1959-08-07Port Canaveral FL(Goldcraft) cachet on coverExplorer-6 (S2) launch
United States1974-08-14Cape Canaveral FL(Smithsonian no.18)5 cachet on cover15th anniv. Explorer-6 (S2) first televised image
Explorer-7
United States1959-10-13Port Canaveral FL(?) cachet on coverExplorer-7 (S1A) launch
United States1959-10-13Port Canaveral FL(Sarzin) cachet on coverExplorer-7 (S1A) launch
United States1959-10-13Port Canaveral FL(Sarzin) cachet on cover (with autographs)Explorer-7 (S1A) launch
United States1959-10-13Port Canaveral FL(Goldcraft) cachet on coverExplorer-7 (S1A) launch
United States2009-10-13Cape Canaveral FL(Mission 57) cachet on cover, also back50th anniv. Explorer-7 (S1A) launch
Explorer-8
United States1960-11-03Patrick AFB, FL(Rubber-stamp) cachet on coverExplorer-8 (S30) launch
United States1960-11-03Port Canaveral FL(No) cachet on coverExplorer-8 (S30) launch
United States1960-11-03Patrick AFB, FL(Rubber-stamp) cachet (different) on coverExplorer-8 (S30) launch
United States1960-11-03Port Canaveral FL(Goldcraft) cachet on coverExplorer-8 (S30) launch
Explorer-S56
United States1960-12-04Wallops Island VA(?) cachet on coverExplorer-S56 launch [failed]
United States1960-12-04Wallops Island VA(Hudson rubber-stamp) cachet on coverExplorer-S56 launch [failed]
Explorer-9
United States1961-02-16Wallops Island VA(Hudson rubber-stamp) cachet on cover (machine cancel)Explorer-9 (S56A) launch
United States1961-02-16Wallops Island VA(Hudson rubber-stamp) cachet (different) on cover (hand cancel)Explorer-9 (S56A) launch
United States1961-02-16Wallops Island VA(Hudson rubber-stamp and typed) cachet on coverExplorer-9 (S56A) launch
Explorer-S45
United States1961-02-24Patrick AFB, FL(Rubber-stamp) cachet on coverExplorer-S45 launch [failed]
United States1961-02-24Patrick AFB, FL(Typed) cachet on coverExplorer-S45 launch [failed]
Explorer-10
United States1961-03-25Patrick AFB, FL(Sarzin?) cachet on coverExplorer-10 (P14) launch
Explorer-11
United States1961-04-27Port Canaveral FL(Goldcraft) cachet on coverExplorer-11 (S15) launch
United States1961-04-27Patrick AFB, FL(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on coverExplorer-11 (S15) launch
Explorer-S55
United States1961-06-30Wallops Island VA(Rubber-stamp) cachet on coverExplorer-S55 launch [failed]
United States1961-06-30Wallops Island VA(Rubber-stamp) cachet (different) on coverExplorer-S55 launch [failed]
Explorer-12
United States1961-08-15Port Canaveral FL(Goldcraft) cachet on coverExplorer-12 (EPE-A) launch
United States1961-08-16Patrick AFB, FL(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on coverExplorer-12 (EPE-A) launch
Explorer-13
United States1961-08-25Wallops Island VA(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on coverExplorer-13 (S55A) launch
United States1961-08-25Wallops Island VA(Rubber-stamp) cachet on coverExplorer-13 (S55A, not S55) launch
Explorer-14
United States1962-10-02Cape Canaveral FL(?) cachet on coverExplorer-14 launch (TIROS image)2
United States1962-10-03Cape Canaveral FL(Rank velvet) cachet on coverExplorer-14 (EPE-B) launch
United States1962-10-03Cape Canaveral FL(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on coverExplorer-14 (EPE-B) launch
United States1962-10-03Cape Canaveral FL(Sarzin?) cachet on coverExplorer-14 (EPE-B) launch
United States1962-10-02 / 1964-12-21Cape Canaveral FL / Satellite Beach FL(Rank velvet) cachet on coverExplorer-14 (EPE-B) and Explorer-26 (EPE-D) launches
Explorer-15
United States1962-10-29Cape Canaveral FL(Sarzin?) cachet on coverExplorer-15 (EPE-C) launch
United States1962-10-29Cape Canaveral FL(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on coverExplorer-15 (EPE-C) launch
Explorer-16
United States1962-12-16Wallops Island VA(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on coverExplorer-16 (S55B) launch
United States1962-12-16Wallops Island VA(Rubber-stamp) cachet on coverExplorer-16 (S55B) launch
United States1962-12-16Wallops Island VA(Rank velvet) cachet on coverExplorer-16 (S55B) launch
United States1962-12-16 / 1964-11-06Wallops Island VA / Wallops Island VA(Rank velvet) cachet on coverExplorer-16 (S55B) and Explorer-23 (S55C) launches
Explorer-17
United States1963-04-03Cape Canaveral FL(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on coverExplorer-17 (AE-A) launch
United States1963-04-02Satellite Beach FL(Rubber-stamp) cachet on coverExplorer-17 (AE-A) launch
United States1963-04-02Cape Canaveral FL(Goldcraft) cachet on coverExplorer-17 (AE-A) launch
United States1963-04-02Satellite Beach FL(Rank velvet) cachet on coverExplorer-17 (AE-A) launch
United States1963-04-03Cape Canaveral FL(Sarzin) cachet on coverExplorer-17 (AE-A) launch (Explorer-12/14/15 image)
United States1963-04-03Cape Canaveral FL(Centennial?) cachet on coverExplorer-17 (AE-A) launch
Explorer-18
United States1963-11-27Cape Canaveral FL(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on coverExplorer-18 (IMP-1) launch
United States1963-11-27Cape Canaveral FL(Sarzin?) cachet on coverExplorer-18 (IMP-1) launch
United States1963-11-26 / 1964-10-04Satellite Beach FL / Satellte Beach FL(?) cachet on coverExplorer-18 (IMP-1) and Explorer-21 (IMP-2) launches
United States1963-11-27 / 1964-10-04Cape Canaveral FL / Satellite Beach FL(Rank velvet) cachet on coverExplorer-18 (IMP-1) and Explorer-21 (IMP-2) launches
Explorer-19
United States1963-12-19Vandenberg AFB, CA(Rubber-stamp) cachet on coverExplorer-19 (AED-A) launch
United States1963-12-19Vandenberg AFB, CA(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on coverExplorer-19 (AED-A) launch
United States1963-12-19Vandenberg AFB, CA(Sarzin?) cachet on coverExplorer-19 (AED-A) launch
United States1963-12-19Vandenberg AFB, CA(Rank velvet) cachet on coverExplorer-19 (AED-A) launch
Explorer-S66
United States1964-03-19Cape Canaveral FL(Sarzin) cachet on coverExplorer-S66 launch [failed] (OAO-1 image)3
United States1964-03-19Cape Canaveral FL(Sokalsky) cachet on coverExplorer-S66 launch [failed]
United States1964-03-19Cape Canaveral FL(Swanson rubber-stamp) cachet on coverExplorer-S66 launch [failed]
United States1964-03-19Cape Canaveral FL(Centennial?) cachet on coverExplorer-S66 launch [failed] (other satellites)
United States1964-03-20Cape Canaveral FL(Goldcraft) cachet on coverExplorer-S66 launch [failed]
Explorer-20
United States1964-08-25Vandenberg AFB, CA(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on coverExplorer-20 (IE-A) launch
United States1964-08-25Vandenberg AFB, CA(Sarzin?) cachet on coverExplorer-20 (IE-A) launch
United States1964-08-25Vandenberg AFB, CA(Rubber-stamp) cachet on coverExplorer-20 (IE-A) launch
Explorer-21
United States1964-10-04Patrick AFB, FL(Sarzin?) cachet on coverExplorer-21 (IMP-2) launch
United States1964-10-04Patrick AFB, FL(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on coverExplorer-21 (IMP-2) launch
United States1963-11-26 / 1964-10-04Satellite Beach FL / Satellte Beach FL(?) cachet on coverExplorer-18 (IMP-1) and Explorer-21 (IMP-2) launches
United States1963-11-27 / 1964-10-04Cape Canaveral FL / Satellite Beach FL(Rank velvet) cachet on coverExplorer-18 (IMP-1) and Explorer-21 (IMP-2) launches
Explorer-22
United States1964-10-09Vandenberg AFB, CA(Sarzin?) cachet on coverExplorer-22 (BE-B) launch
United States1964-10-09Vandenberg AFB, CA(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on coverExplorer-22 (BE-B) launch
Explorer-23
United States1964-11-06Wallops Island VA(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on coverExplorer-23 (S55C) launch
United States1964-11-06Wallops Island VA(Sarzin?) cachet on coverExplorer-23 (S55C) launch (wrong image)
United States1962-12-16 / 1964-11-06Wallops Island VA / Wallops Island VA(Rank velvet) cachet on coverExplorer-16 (S55B) and Explorer-23 (S55C) launches
Explorer-24 + Explorer-25
United States1964-11-21Vandenberg AFB, CA(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on coverExplorer-24 (ADE-B) and Explorer-25 (Injun-4) launch
United States1964-11-21Vandenberg AFB, CA(Sarzin?) cachet on coverExplorer-24 (ADE-B) and Explorer-25 (Injun-4) launch (wrong image)
United States1964-11-21Vandenberg AFB, CA(Goldcraft) cachet on coverExplorer-24 (ADE-B) and Explorer-25 (Injun-4) launch
United States1964-11-21Vandenberg AFB, CA(Rubber-stamp) cachet on coverExplorer-24 (ADE-B) and Explorer-25 (Injun-4) launch
Explorer-26
United States1964-12-21Patrick AFB, FL(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on coverExplorer-26 (EPE-D) launch
United States1964-12-21Cape Canaveral FL(Sokalskly) cachet on coverExplorer-26 (EPE-D) launch (wrong image)
United States1964-12-21Cape Canaveral FL(Centennial?) cachet on coverExplorer-26 (EPE-D) launch (wrong image)
United States1964-12-21Cape Canaveral FL(Sarzin) cachet on coverExplorer-26 (EPE-D) launch (wrong images)
United States1962-10-02 / 1964-12-21Cape Canaveral FL / Satellite Beach FL(Rank velvet) cachet on coverExplorer-14 (EPE-B) and Explorer-26 (EPE-D) launches
Explorer-27
United States1965-04-29Wallops Island VA(Sarzin?) cachet on coverExplorer-27 (BE-C) launch
United States1965-04-29Wallops Island VA(Rubber-stamp) cachet on coverExplorer-27 (BE-C) launch
United States1965-04-29Wallops Island VA(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on coverExplorer-27 (BE-C) launch
United States1965-04-29Wallops Island VA(Rank velvet) cachet on coverExplorer-27 (BE-C) launch
United States1965-04-29Wallops Island VA(Centennial?) cachet on coverExplorer-27 (BE-C) launch
Explorer-28
United States1965-05-29Cape Canaveral FL(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on coverExplorer-28 (IMP-3) launch
United States1965-05-29Cape Canaveral FL(?) cachet on coverExplorer-28 (IMP-3) launch
Explorer-29
United States1965-11-06Patrick AFB, FL(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on coverExplorer-29 (GEOS-1) launch
United States1965-11-06Cape Canaveral FL(Sarzin?) cachet on coverExplorer-29 (GEOS-1) launch
United States1965-11-06Patrick AFB, FL(Sarzin) cachet on coverExplorer-29 (GEOS-1) launch (Explorer-17 image)
United States1965-11-06Patrick AFB, FL(Rank velvet) cachet on coverExplorer-29 (GEOS-1) launch
Explorer-30
United States1965-11-19Wallops Island VA(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on coverExplorer-30 (SolRad-8) launch
United States1965-11-19Wallops Island VA(Sarzin?) cachet on coverExplorer-30 (SolRad-8) launch (wrong image)
United States1965-11-19Wallops Island VA(Rank velvet) cachet on coverExplorer-30 (SolRad-8) launch
Explorer-31
United States1965-11-28Vandenberg AFB, CA(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on coverExplorer-31 (ISIS-X) launch
United States1965-11-28Vandenberg AFB, CA(Sarzin?) cachet on coverExplorer-31 (ISIS-X) launch (wrong image)
Explorer-32
United States1966-05-25Cape Canaveral FL(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on coverExplorer-32 (AE-B) launch
Explorer-33
United States1966-07-01Patrick AFB, FL(Sarzin) cachet on coverExplorer-33 (AIMP-1) launch
United States1966-07-01Cape Canaveral FL(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on coverExplorer-33 (AIMP-1) launch
United States1966-07-01Cape Canaveral FL(?) cachet on coverExplorer-33 (AIMP-1) launch
Explorer-34
United States1967-05-24Cape Canaveral FL(Orbit) cachet on coverExplorer-34 (IMP-4) launch
United States1967-05-24Vandenberg AFB, CA(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on coverExplorer-34 (IMP-4) launch
Explorer-35
United States1967-07-19Kennedy Space Center FL(Rubber-stamp) cachet on coverExplorer-35 (AIMP-2) launch
United States1967-07-19Patrick AFB, FL(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on coverExplorer-35 (AIMP-2) launch
Explorer-36
United States1968-01-11Vandenberg AFB, CA(Orbit) cachet on coverExplorer-36 (GEOS-2) launch
United States1968-01-11Vandenberg AFB, CA(Rubber-stamp) cachet on coverExplorer-36 (GEOS-2) launch
United States1968-01-11Lompoc CA, Vandenberg AFB(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on coverExplorer-36 (GEOS-2) launch
Explorer-37
United States1968-03-05Wallops Island VA(Orbit) cachet on coverExplorer-37 (SolRad-9) launch
United States1968-03-05Wallops Island VA(Rubber-stamp) cachet on coverExplorer-37 (SolRad-9) launch
United States1968-03-05Wallops Island VA(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on coverExplorer-37 (SolRad-9) launch
Explorer-38
United States1968-07-04Vandenberg AFB, CA(Orbit) cachet on coverExplorer-38 (RAE-1) launch
United States1968-07-04Vandenberg AFB, CA(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on coverExplorer-38 (RAE-1) launch
United States1968-07-04Vandenberg AFB, CA(Sarzin?) cachet on coverExplorer-38 (RAE-1) (mislabeled Explorer-36) launch (wrong image)
Explorer-39 + Explorer-40
United States1968-08-08Vandenberg AFB, CA(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on coverExplorer-39 (ADE-C) and Explorer-40 (Injun-5) launch
United States1968-08-08Vandenberg AFB, CA(Orbit) cachet on coverExplorer-39 (ACE-C) and Explorer-40 (Injun-5) launch
United States1968-08-08Vandenberg AFB, CA(Rubber-stamp) cachet on coverExplorer-39 (ADE-C) and Explorer-40 (Injun-5) launch
Explorer-41
United States1969-06-21Vandenberg AFB, CA(Orbit) cachet on coverExplorer-41 (IMP-5) launch
United States1969-06-21Vandenberg AFB, CA(Sarzin) cachet on coverExplorer-41 (IMP-5) launch
United States1969-06-21Lompoc CA, Vandenberg AFB(SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on coverExplorer-41 (IMP-5) launch
Explorer-42
United States1970-12-12Cape Canaveral FL(Space Voyage) cachet on coverExplorer-42 (Uhuru) launch
Explorer-43
United States1971-03-13Cape Canaveral FL(Orbit) cachet on coverExplorer-43 (IMP-6) launch
United States1971-03-13Kennedy Space Center FL(Space Voyage) cachet on coverExplorer-43 (IMP-6) launch
Explorer-44
United States1971-07-09Wallops Island VA(Rubber-stamp) cachet on coverExplorer-44 (SolRad-10) launch
Explorer-45
Kenya1971-11-15Malindi(?) cachet on coverExplorer-45 (SSS-A) launch
Kenya1971-11-15Malindi(Space Voyage) cachet on coverExplorer-45 (SSS-A) launch
Explorer-46
United States1972-08-14Wallops Island VA(Space Voyage) cachet on coverExplorer-46 (MTS) launch
United States1972-08-14Wallops Islands VA(Sarzin) cachet on coverExplorer-46 (MTS) launch
Explorer-47
United States1972-09-25Greenbelt MD(GSFC) cachet on coverExplorer-47 (IMP-7) launch
United States1972-09-25Kennedy Space Center FL(Fydo no.?) cachet on cover, also insertExplorer-47 (IMP-7) launch
Explorer-48
Kenya1972-11-15Malindi(Space Voyage) cachet on coverExplorer-48 (SAS-B) launch
Kenya1972-11-15Malindi(?) cachet on coverExplorer-48 (SAS-B) launch
Australia1972-11-20?Canberra ACT(?) cachet on coverExplorer-48 (SAS-B) launch
Explorer-49
United States1973-06-10Cape Canaveral FL(Orbit) cachet on coverExplorer-49 (RAE-2) launch
United States1973-06-10Kennedy Space Center FL(Space Voyage) cachet on coverExplorer-49 (RAE-2) launch
Explorer-50
United States1973-10-25Greenbelt MD(GSFC) cachet on coverExplorer-50 (IMP-8) launch
United States1973-10-26Cape Canaveral FL(Orbit) cachet on coverExplorer-50 (IMP-8) launch
United States1973-10-26Kennedy Space Center FL(Centennial?) cachet on coverExplorer-50 (IMP-8) launch
Explorer-51
United States1973-12-15Vandenberg AFB, CA(Orbit) cachet on coverExplorer-51 (AE-C) launch
United States1973-12-15Vandenberg AFB, CA(InterSpace) cachet on coverExplorer-51 (AE-C) launch
United States1973-12-15Vandenberg AFB, CA(Centennial?) cachet on coverExplorer-51 (AE-C) launch
United States1974-06-30Wallops Island VA(Space Voyage) cachet on coverExplorer-51 (AE-C) data comparison
Explorer-52
United States1974-06-03Vandenberg AFB, CA(Centennial?) cachet on coverExplorer-52 (Hawkeye / Injun-6) launch
United States1974-06-03Vandenberg AFB, CA(Orbit) cachet on coverExplorer-52 (Hawkeye / Injun-6) launch
United States1974-06-03Vandenberg AFB, CA(Rubber-stamp) cachet on coverExplorer-52 (Hawkeye / Injun-6) launch
Explorer-53
Kenya1975-05-07Malindi(?) cachet on coverExplorer-53 (SAS-C) launch
Explorer-54
United States1975-10-06Vandenberg AFB, CA(Space Voyage) cachet on coverExplorer-54 (AE-D) launch
United States1975-10-06Greenbelt MD(GSFC) cachet on coverExplorer-54 (AE-D) launch
United States1975-10-06Vandenberg AFB, CA(NASA rubber-stamp) cachet on coverExplorer-54 (AE-D) launch
United States1975-10-06Vandenberg AFB, CA(Rubber-stamp) cachet on coverExplorer-54 (AE-D) launch
Explorer-55
United States1975-11-19Kennedy Space Center FL(Space Voyage) cachet on coverExplorer-55 (AE-E) launch
United States1975-11-19Greenbelt MD(GSFC) cachet on coverExplorer-55 (AE-E) launch
United States1975-11-19Kennedy Space Center FL(Centennial?) cachet on coverExplorer-55 (AE-E) launch
Dual Air Density (DAD) Explorer
United States1975-12-05Vandenberg AFB, CA(Centennial?) cachet on coverExplorer: DAD launch [failed]
United States1975-12-05Vandenberg AFB, CA(Space Voyage) cachet on coverExplorer: DAD launch [failed]
Explorer-56
United States1977-10-22Cape Canaveral FL(Orbit) cachet on coverExplorer-56 (ISEE-1) launch (Explorer-51/54/55 image)
United States1977-10-25Kennedy Space Center FL(SCPS)4 cachet on coverExplorer-56 (ISEE-1) launch
Explorer-57
Spain1978-01-26Madrid(Printed) cachet on coverExplorer-57 (IUE) launch
United States1978-01-26Cape Canaveral FL(Orbit) cachet on coverExplorer-57 (IUE) launch (OAO-B image)
United States1978-01-26Kennedy Space Center FL(Space Voyage) cachet on coverExplorer-57 (IUE) launch
United States1978-01-26Cape Canaveral FL(?) cachet on coverExplorer-57 (IUE) launch
United States1978-01-26GSFC, MD(GSFC) cachet on coverExplorer-57 (IUE) launch
Explorer-58
United States1978-04-26Vandenberg AFB, CA(Space Voyage) cachet on coverExplorer-58 (HCMM) launch
United States1978-04-26Vandenberg AFB, CA(Centennial?) cachet on coverExplorer-58 (HCMM) launch
United States1978-04-26Vandenberg AFB, CA(NASA purple rubber-stamp) cachet on coverExplorer-58 (HCMM) launch
United States1978-04-26Vandenberg AFB, CA(NASA blue rubber-stamp) cachet on coverExplorer-58 (HCMM) launch
Explorer-59
Spain1978-08-12Madrid(Printed) cachet on coverExplorer-59 (ISEE-3 / ICE) launch
United States1978-08-12Cape Canaveral FL(Orbit) cachet on coverExplorer-59 (ISEE-3 / ICE) launch (Explorer-51/54/55 image)
United States1978-08-???(Rubber-stamp) cachet on coverExplorer-59 (ISEE-3 / ICE) launch
United States1978-08-14Kennedy Space Center FL(Space Voyage) cachet on coverExplorer-59 (ISEE-3 / ICE) launch
Explorer-60
United States1979-02-18Wallops Island VA(Space Voyage) cachet on coverExplorer-60 (SAGE) launch
Explorer-61
United States1979-10-30Vandenberg AFB, CA(NASA rubber-stamp) cachet on coverExplorer-61 (MagSat) launch
Explorer-64
United States1981-10-06Greenbelt MD(GSFC) cachet on coverExplorer-64 (SME) launch
United States1981-10-06Pasadena CA(JPL) cachet on coverExplorer-64 (SME) launch
Explorer-65
United States1984-08-16Greenbelt MD(GSFC) cachet on coverExplorer-65 (AMPTE) launch
Explorer-67
United States1992-06-07Kennedy Space Center FL(DuBeau rubber-stamp) cachet on coverExplorer-67 (EUVE) launch
Explorer-75
United States1999-03-04Lompoc CA, Vandenberg AFB(Printed) cachet on coverExplorer-75 (WIRE) launch
United States1999-03-04Lompoc CA, Vandenberg AFB(Printed) cachet (different) on coverExplorer-75 (WIRE) launch
United States1999-03-04Lompoc CA, Vandenberg AFB(Printed) cachet (different) on coverExplorer-75 (WIRE) launch
Explorer-81
United States2002-02-05Cape Canaveral FL(Printed) cachet on coverExplorer-81 (HESSI) launch
Explorer-83
United States2003-04-28Pasadena CA(Printed) cachet on coverExplorer-83 (GALEX) launch
United States2003-04-28Kennedy Space Center FL(Printed) cachet on coverExplorer-83 (GALEX) launch
United States2003-04-28Cape Canaveral FL(Lollini) cachet on coverExplorer-83 (GALEX) launch
Explorer-85/89
United States2007-02-17Kennedy Space Center FL(Lollini) cachet on coverExplorer-85/89 (THEMIS) launch
Explorer-90
United States2007-04-25VAFB Contract Station, Lompoc CA(Printed) cachet on coverExplorer-90 (AIM) launch

1Additional Vanguard items appear on the Vanguard-series page.
2Additional TIROS items appear on the TIROS/ESSA-series page.
3Additional OAO items appear on the OAO-series page.
4SCPS = Space Coast Philatelic Society
5Smithsonian Institution National Air and Space Museum Milestones of Flight (MoF) commemorative numbered series.


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Updated: 2009-11-17