Pioneer P-31 spacecraft

Launch vehicle failed/exploded; no lunar orbit.

Era

A (1959-1976)

Parent mission

Pioneer P-31

Role

intended orbiter

Operator

NASA / USAF

Nation

USA

Launched (UTC)

1960-12-15

Reached Moon (UTC)

N/A

Event type

orbiter

Outcome

failure

Site

No Moon arrival

Left on surface

none

Returned material

none

Current status

destroyed in launch failure

Operational status (derived)

unknown

Source grade

primary

Review note

review:medium

Primary source