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 Pioneer V
(also known as 1960 Alpha 1, Pioneer P-2, and Thor Able 4) was launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, as one of the first attempts to study the solar system. It was a spin stabilized space probe and carried into
space on a Thor-Able three stage rocket. The Pioneer V was approximately the size of a beach ball and was equipped with four solar cells that recharged the
on-board batteries. The Pioneer V entered an
orbit around the Sun between Earth and Venus and provided a wealth of data on interplanetary space such as magnetic
fields, cosmic radiation, electrical fields and micrometeorites. It was
stabilized by slowly spinning about its axis. The spacecraft transmitted
information until 26 Jun 1960 when it was 22.5 million miles (36
million km) from Earth.
We have come a long way since the Pioneer V days of early space exploration. And we have learned much more about sun spots, magnet fields and cosmic radiation. The Pioneer V may look simple compared to the satellites and mars rovers of today, but it served its purpose well. The Pioneer V was the most successful in the Pioneer/Able missions.
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