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Explorer 8
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<p>Explorer 8 was a <a href="/facts/NASA/TIMCV0yV">NASA</a> research satellite launched on 3 November 1960. It was intended to study the temporal and spatial distribution of the <a href="/facts/Electron_density/L5yDsk6j">electron density</a>, the <a href="/facts/Plasma_parameters/RWULKlWG">electron temperature</a>, the <a href="/facts/Ion/3bePpDna">ion concentration</a>, the ion mass, the <a href="/facts/Micrometeorite/zo1KdLnJ">micrometeorite</a> distribution, and the micrometeorite mass in the <a href="/facts/Ionosphere/mT9tTBE5">ionosphere</a> at altitudes between 400 km (250 mi) and 1,600 km (990 mi) and their variation from full sunlit conditions to full shadow, or nighttime, conditions. </p>