| Explorer-series
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| Explorer-series
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Below is a checklist of Explorer-series satellite postal items (stamps, souvenir sheets, aerogrammes, postal cards, etc.). Catalog numbers, years of issue, and notes on the satellites featured are given when available. This page includes all of the Explorer series, except the Explorer-1 satellite which is covered separately. If readers know of additional information or images, please contact the authors using the e-mail addresses at the bottom of this page.
Farther below is a list of Explorer-series launch covers, anniversary-of-launch covers, and launch-related event covers.
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:
| Injun | SolRad | GEOS | ISEE |
|---|---|---|---|
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Many 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 thru 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.
For Explorer launch information see the Explorer-series table on the scientific/research satellites page.
| Country | Catalog Number* | Type of Item** | Year of Issue | Notes on Content |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer-series (except Explorer-1) | ||||
| Antigua and Barbuda | Unknown (new issue) | On stamps and in (right) margin of MS4 | 2008 | Explorer-3 |
| Antigua and Barbuda | Unknown (new issue) | SS1 | ||
| Ajman | Mi264 | 1968 | Explorer-14 | |
| Ajman | BL35 | Embossed perforate and imperforate MS2 (like Mi261+264) | 1968 | Explorer-14 |
| Ajman State | Mi2782 | One of MS8 + 8 labels | 1973 | Explorer-20 |
| Ajman State | Mi2783 | One of MS8 + 8 labels | 1973 | Explorer-22/27 |
| Ajman State | Mi2785 | One of MS8 + 8 labels | 1973 | Explorer-17 |
| Ajman State | iMi2782 | One of imperforate MS8 + 8 labels | 1973 | Explorer-20 |
| Ajman State | iMi2783 | One of imperforate MS8 + 8 labels | 1973 | Explorer-22/27 |
| Ajman State | iMi2785 | One of imperforate MS8 + 8 labels | 1973 | Explorer-17 |
| Ajman State | sMi2782 | One of small MS8 + 8 labels (changed colors) | 1973 | Explorer-20 |
| Ajman State | sMi2783 | One of small MS8 + 8 labels (changed colors) | 1973 | Explorer-22/27 |
| Ajman State | sMi2785 | One of small MS8 + 8 labels (changed colors) | 1973 | Explorer-17 |
| Ajman State | Mi2782 ds | Deluxe sheet | 1973 | Explorer-20 |
| Ajman State | Mi2783 ds | Deluxe sheet | 1973 | Explorer-22/27 |
| Ajman State | Mi2785 ds | Deluxe sheet | 1973 | Explorer-17 |
| Angola | 1108c | One of MS6 (1108 (a-f)) | 1999 | Explorer-42 |
| Angola | 1110a | One of MS6 (1110 (a-f)) | 1999 | Explorer-17 |
| Antigua and Barbuda | 2243e | One of MS6 (2243 (a-f)) | 1999 | Explorer-57 / IUE |
| Ascension | 388 | 1986 | Explorer-59 / ISEE-3 / ICE | |
| Austria | None | Cancel | 1962 | Explorer-12/14/151 (with folded solar panels and last stage attached) |
| Belgium | 670 | 1966 | Explorer-17 | |
| Belgium | 666+669-670 fdc1 | Stamp and cancel and cachet on FDC | 1966 | Explorer-17, Explorer-20 |
| Belgium | 666+669-670 fdc2 | Stamp and cachet, respectively, on FDC | 1966 | Explorer-17, Explorer-20 |
| Belgium | None | In (lower-left) margin of cinderella of 2 imperforates | 196? | Explorer-13/16/232 |
| Bernera Islands (Scotland) | Local_b | One of MS8 (a-h) | 1978 | Explorer-20 |
| Bernera Islands (Scotland) | Local_b (o/p1) | One of MS8 overprinted in black | 1998 | Explorer-20 |
| Bernera Islands (Scotland) | Local_b (o/p2) | One of MS8 overprinted in red | 1998 | Explorer-20 |
| Birobidjan-Jewish | Local | Bernera local b overprinted on Russia 5733, see also overprint template | 1995 | Explorer-20 |
| Brazil | 1035 fdc | Cachet on FDC | 1967 | Explorer-7 |
| Burkina Faso | 1015B | In (upper-left) margin of SS1 | 1995 | Explorer-12/14/151 |
| Burundi | 588 | 1981 | Explorer-20 | |
| Burundi | 588a | MS3 (586-588) | 1981 | Explorer-20 |
| Cameroun | C99 | 1968 | Explorer-6 image | |
| Central Africa Republic | 663 (BL283A) | In (lower-right) margin of SS1 | 1984 | Explorer-66 / COBE (first design)9 |
| Central Africa Republic | 843 | 1986 | Explorer-59 / ISEE-3 / ICE | |
| Chad | BL249 | In (upper-left) margin of SS1 | 1996 | Explorer-17 (not Explorer-23)10 |
| Chad | 708f | One of MS6 (708 (a-f)) | 1997 | Explorer-56 / ISEE-13 |
| Comoro Islands | 737a (BL326A) i737a (BL326B) | In (upper-left) margin of SS1 (737) | 1990 | Explorer-66 / COBE (final design)9 |
| Congo (Republic) | C53 iC53 | 1967 | Explorer-611 | |
| Djibouti | 610a (Mi120A) | In (right) margin of SS1 (610) | 1986 | Explorer-59 / ISEE-3 / ICE |
| Dominica | 2237a | From MS6 (2237 (a-f)) | 2000 | Explorer-14 |
| Dominica | 2237d | Explorer-16 | ||
| Egypt | 1211 | 1983 | Explorer-32 ? | |
| French Southern and Antarctic Territories | C53 | 1977/9 | Explorer-52 / Injun-6 | |
| Fujeira | Mi71 | 1966 | Explorer-7 | |
| Fujeira | Mi150 | Mi71 overprinted new currency | 1967 | Explorer-7 |
| Fujeira | Mi347 | Mi71 overprinted "Apollo-8" | 1969 | Explorer-7 |
| Fujeira | MiA77 | Mi71 gold foil | 1969 | Explorer-7 |
| Gambia | 609 (Mi615) | 1986 | Explorer-59 / ISEE-3 / ICE | |
| Gambia | 655 (Mi661) | 609 overprinted in silver | 1986 | Explorer-59 / ISEE-3 / ICE |
| Gambia | 2170 | 1999 | Explorer-66 / COBE (final design)9 | |
| Gambia | 2268a | From MS6 (2268 (a-f)) | 2000 | Explorer-42 |
| Gambia | 2268c | Explorer-57 / IUE | ||
| Gambia | 2268a essay | From MS6 (2268 essay (a-f)) | 2000 | Explorer-42 |
| Gambia | 2268c essay | Explorer-57 / IUE | ||
| Gambia | 2269f | One of MS6 (2269 (a-f)) | 2000 | Explorer-18 |
| Gambia | 2269f imp essay | One of MS6 (2269 imperforate essay (a-f)) | ||
| Germany (West) | None | Cancel | 1970 | Explorer-59 / ISEE-3 / ICE |
| Germany (West) | None | Cancel | 1971 | Explorer-13/16/232 |
| Germany | None | Meter on cover | 1995 | Explorer-66 / COBE (final design)9 |
| Ghana | 166a | In (lower) margin of imperforate MS4 (4x 166) | 1964 | Explorer-13/16/232 |
| Grenada Carriacou | 2205d | From MS6 (2205 (a-f)) | 2000 | Unknown (not Explorer-16)5 |
| Grenada Carriacou | 2205e | Explorer-57 / IUE (not Astro-Challenger)6 | ||
| Grenada Carriacou | 2205e essay | One of MS6 (2205 essay (a-f)) | 2000 | Explorer-57 / IUE (correctly labeled) |
| Grenada Carriacou | 2206d | One of MS6 (2206 (a-f)) | 2000 | Explorer-16 |
| Grenada Carriacou | 2206d essay | One of MS6 (2206 essay (a-f)) | ||
| Guinea Republic | Unknown (new issue) | 2007 | Explorer-71 / ACE | |
| Guinea Republic | Unknown (new issue) | On one of MS2 | ||
| Guinea Republic | Unknown (new issue) | 2007 | Explorer-73 / TRACE | |
| Guinea Republic | Unknown (new issue) | On one of MS2 | ||
| Guinea-Bissau | Unknown (new issue) | 2007 | Explorer-83 / GALEX | |
| Guinea-Bissau | Unknown fdc (new issue) | SS1 on FDC | ||
| Hungary | 2972 | 1986 | Explorer-59 / ISEE-3 / ICE | |
| Korea (North) | 1448 | 1976 | Explorer-611 | |
| Malagasy Republic | 797 (Mi1063) | 1987 | Explorer-59 / ISEE-3 / ICE | |
| Malagasy Republic | 797a (BL48) | SS1 (797) | ||
| Malagasy Republic | 1536c (Mi2475) | From MS6 (1536 (a-f)) (Mi2473-2478) | 2000 | Explorer-59 / ISEE-3 / ICE |
| Malagasy Republic | 1536d (Mi2476) | Explorer-64 / SME | ||
| Malagasy Republic | 1539f (Mi2496) | One of MS6 (1539 (a-f)) (Mi2491-2496) | 2000 | Explorer-66 / COBE (first design)9 |
| Maldive Islands | 147a | In (upper-right) margin of MS9 (9x 147) | 1965 | Explorer-18 |
| Maldive Islands | 148a | In (upper-right) margin of MS9 (9x 148) | ||
| Maldive Islands | 149a | In (upper-right) margin of MS9 (9x 149) | ||
| Maldive Islands | 150a | In (upper-right) margin of MS9 (9x 150) | ||
| Mali | Unknown a (new issue) Unknown a (imperf.) | One of MS2 (a-b), also imperforate MS2 | 2006 | Explorer-59 / ISEE-3 / ICE |
| Manama | Mi94A Mi94B | 1968 | Explorer-14 | |
| Manama | BL8 | Embossed perforate and imperforate MS2 (like Mi91+94) | 1968 | Explorer-14 |
| Mauritania | 619 (Mi889A) i619 (Mi889B) | One of MS4 (622b (619-622)) | 1986 | Explorer-59 / ISEE-3 / ICE |
| Mauritania | 619a | SS1 (619) | ||
| Micronesia | 344p | From MS20 (344 (a-t)) | 1999 | Explorer-59 / ISEE-3 / ICE (not SMM repair)4 |
| Micronesia | 344q | SMM repair (not Explorer-59 / ISEE-3 / ICE)4 | ||
| Mongolia | C33d | One of MS12 (C33 (a-l)) | 1972 | Explorer-611 |
| Niger | 1078e | One of MS9 (1078 (a-i)) | 2001 | Explorer-77 / FUSE |
| Nigeria | 143a | In (lower-right) margin of MS12 (12x 143) | 1963 | Explorer-12/14/151 |
| Nigeria | 144a | In (lower-right) margin of MS12 (12x 144) | ||
| Nigeria | 174 | 1965 | Explorer-18 | |
| Nigeria | 174a | MS12 (12x 174) | ||
| Paraguay | C642 label | Label with MS9 (C642a (5x C642 + 4 labels)) | 1986 | Poorly-depicted Explorer-59 / ISEE-3 / ICE |
| Poland | 2715 | One of pair (2715a (2714-2715)) | 1986 | Explorer-59 / ISEE-3 / ICE |
| Romania | None | Cancel and cachet on cover | 1992 | Explorer-66 / COBE (final design)9 |
| Rwanda | 136 | In (right, lower-right) margin of MS2 (136 (a-b)) | 1965 | Explorer-11, Explorer-13/16/232 |
| Satellite Beach FL (U.S.) | Local | Set-C08 (blue) | 1964 | Explorer-16 |
| Satellite Beach FL (U.S.) | Local | Set-D02 (green) | 1964 | Explorer-14 |
| Satellite Beach FL (U.S.) | Local | Set-D04 (green) | 1964 | Explorer-17 |
| Satellite Beach FL (U.S.) | Local | Set-D06 (green) | 1964 | Explorer-20 |
| Satellite Beach FL (U.S.) | Local | Set-D07 (green) | 1964 | Explorer-10 |
| Satellite Beach FL (U.S.) | Local | Set-D09 (green) | 1964 | Explorer-18 |
| Satellite Beach FL (U.S.) | Local | Set-D10 (green) | 1964 | Explorer-9 |
| Satellite Beach FL (U.S.) | Local | Set-C08 (blue) overprinted new value in gold | 1965 | Explorer-16 |
| Satellite Beach FL (U.S.) | Local | Set-D02 (green) overprinted new value in gold | 1965 | Explorer-14 |
| Satellite Beach FL (U.S.) | Local | Set-D04 (green) overprinted new value in gold | 1965 | Explorer-17 |
| Satellite Beach FL (U.S.) | Local | Set-D06 (green) overprinted new value in gold | 1965 | Explorer-20 |
| Satellite Beach FL (U.S.) | Local | Set-D07 (green) overprinted new value in gold | 1965 | Explorer-10 |
| Satellite Beach FL (U.S.) | Local | Set-D09 (green) overprinted new value in gold | 1965 | Explorer-18 |
| Satellite Beach FL (U.S.) | Local | Set-D10 (green) overprinted new value in gold | 1965 | Explorer-9 |
| Satellite Beach FL (U.S.) | Local | 19?? | Explorer-30 | |
| Sharjah | 45 (Mi57A) i45 (Mi57B) | 1964 | Explorer-13 | |
| Sharjah | 45A | 45 overprinted new currency | 1967 | Explorer-13 |
| Sharjah | 46 (Mi58A) i46 (Mi58B) | 1964 | Explorer-12 | |
| Sharjah | 46A | 46 overprinted new currency | 1967 | Explorer-12 |
| Sierra Leone | 1074d | One of MS9 (1074 (a-i)) | 1989 | Explorer-57 / IUE |
| Staffa (Great Britain) | Local | One of MS8 (a-h) | 1974 | Explorer-47 |
| Staffa (Great Britain) | Local | One of MS8 overprinted in silver | 1998 | Explorer-47 |
| Umm Al Qiwain | Mi85 | 1966 | Explorer-10 | |
| Umm Al Qiwain | Mi96 | Mi85 overprinted new currency | 1967 | Explorer-10 |
| United States | None (blue) | From INTERPEX MS4 (blue) | 1962 | Explorer-13/16/232 (not Explorer-S6)7 |
| United States | None (blue) | Explorer-12 (Explorer-S3, folded solar panels) | ||
| United States | None (blue) | Explorer-S45 | ||
| United States | None (yellow) | From INTERPEX MS4 (yellow) | 1962 | Explorer-13/16/232 (not Explorer-S6)7 |
| United States | None (yellow) | Explorer-12 (Explorer-S3, folded solar panels) | ||
| United States | None (yellow) | Explorer-S45 | ||
| United States | None | Cachet on FR-1 launch cover | 1965 | Explorer-38/49 |
| United States | None | Cachet on OAO-1 launch cover | 1966 | Explorer-10 (top-middle) |
| United States | None | Cachet on ATS-1 launch cover | 1966 | Explorer-10 (top-middle) |
| United States | None | Cachet on ATS-2 launch cover | 1967 | Explorer-10 (top-middle) |
| United States | None | Cachet on ATS-3 launch cover | 1967 | Explorer-10 (top-middle) |
| United States | None | Cachet on OAO-2 launch cover | 1968 | Explorer-10 (top-middle) |
| United States | None | Cachet | 1971 | Explorer-45 |
| United States | None | Cachet on ISEE-3 launch cover | 1978 | Explorer-56 / ISEE-1 (lower-right) |
| Yemen Arab Republic | Mi906 Mi913 | Changed colors on imperforate | 1969 | Explorer-611 |
| Yemen Arab Republic | Mi909 Mi916 | Changed colors on imperforate | 1969 | Explorer-12/14/151 (not Explorer-7)8 |
| Yemen Arab Republic | Mi910_ims12 | In (lower-right) margin of imperforate MS12 (12x Mi910) | 1969 | Explorer-611 |
| Yemen Arab Republic | Mi911_ims12 | In (lower-right) margin of imperforate MS12 (12x Mi911) | 1969 | Explorer-611 |
| Yemen Arab Republic | Mi912_ims12 | In (lower-right) margin of imperforate MS12 (12x Mi912) | 1969 | Explorer-611 |
| Yemen Arab Republic | Mi913_ims12 | On stamp and in (lower-right) margin of imperforate MS12 (12x Mi913) | 1969 | Explorer-611 |
| Yemen Arab Republic | Mi914_ims12 | In (lower-right) margin of imperforate MS12 (12x Mi914) | 1969 | Explorer-611 |
| Yemen Arab Republic | Mi915_ims12 | In (lower-right) margin of imperforate MS12 (12x Mi915) | 1969 | Explorer-611 |
| Yemen Arab Republic | Mi916_ims12 | On stamp and in (lower-right) margin of imperforate MS12 (12x Mi916) | 1969 | Explorer-12/14/151 (not Explorer-7)8, Explorer-611 |
| Yemen Arab Republic | Mi922 Mi929 | Changed colors on imperforate | 1969 | Explorer-10 |
| Yemen Arab Republic | C87 C87_ds | Also imperforate deluxe sheet | 1982 | Explorer-13/16/232 |
| Yemen Arab Republic | C91 C91_ds | Also imperforate deluxe sheet | 1982 | Explorer-12/14/151 |
| Yemen Arab Republic | C141 | C91 overprinted | 1993 | Explorer-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.
Below is a list of Explorer-series launch covers, anniversary-of-launch covers, and launch-related event covers.
| Country | Cancel Date | Cancel Location | Type of Item | Notes on Content |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer-series (except Explorer-1) | ||||
| United States | 1958-03-23? | Port Canaveral FL | (Sarzin) cachet on cover | Explorer-3 launch [launch date is 1958-03-26] |
| United States | 1958-03-26 | Patrick AFB, FL | (Fleetwood printed and Epps blue rubber stamp) cachets on cover | Explorer-3 launch |
| United States | 1958-03-26 | Patrick AFB, FL | (Goldcraft) cachet on cover | Explorer-3 launch |
| United States | 1958-03-26 | Patrick AFB, FL | (Goldcraft) cachet on (initially mis-identified as Vanguard-3) cover | Explorer-3 launch |
| United States | 1958-03-26 | Patrick AFB, FL | (? rubber-stamp) cachet on cover | Explorer-3 launch |
| United States | 1958-07-26 | ? | (? rubber-stamp) cachet on cover | Explorer-4 launch |
| United States | 1958-07-26 | Patrick AFB, FL | (Goldcraft) cachet on cover | Explorer-4 launch (Vanguard-2 image)1 |
| United States | 1958-07-26 | Patrick AFB, FL | (? rubber-stamp) cachet on cover | Explorer-4 launch |
| United States | 1958-07-26 | Port Canaveral FL | (?) cachet on cover | Explorer-4 launch |
| United States | 1958-07-26 | Port Canaveral FL | (Sarzin) cachet on cover | Explorer-4 launch |
| United States | 1959-08-07 | Patrick AFB, FL | (?) cachet on cover | Explorer-6 launch (poorly-drawn image) |
| United States | 1959-08-07 | Merritt Island FL | (Highway Stamp Club) cachet on cover | Explorer-6 launch |
| United States | 1959-08-07 | Port Canaveral FL | (Goldcraft) cachet on cover | Explorer-6 launch |
| United States | 1974-08-14 | Cape Canaveral FL | (Smithsonian no.18) cachet on cover | 15th anniv. Explorer-6 first televised image |
| United States | 1959-10-13 | Port Canaveral FL | (?) cachet on cover | Explorer-7 launch |
| United States | 1959-10-13 | Port Canaveral FL | (Sarzin) cachet on cover | Explorer-7 launch |
| United States | 1959-10-13 | Port Canaveral FL | (Goldcraft) cachet on cover | Explorer-7 launch |
| United States | 1960-11-03 | Patrick AFB, FL | (Rubber-stamp) cachet on cover | Explorer-8 launch |
| United States | 1960-11-03 | Port Canaveral FL | (No) cachet on cover | Explorer-8 launch |
| United States | 1960-11-03 | Patrick AFB, FL | (Rubber-stamp) cachet (different) on cover | Explorer-8 launch |
| United States | 1960-11-03 | Port Canaveral FL | (Goldcraft) cachet on cover | Explorer-8 launch |
| United States | 1960-12-04 | Wallops Island VA | (?) cachet on cover | Explorer-S56 launch [failed] |
| United States | 1960-12-04 | Wallops Island VA | (Rubber-stamp) cachet on cover | Explorer-S56 launch [failed] |
| United States | 1961-02-16 | Wallops Island VA | (Rubber-stamp) cachet on cover | Explorer-9 launch |
| United States | 1961-02-16 | Wallops Island VA | (Rubber-stamp) cachet (different) on cover | Explorer-9 launch |
| United States | 1961-02-24 | Patrick AFB, FL | (Rubber-stamp) cachet on cover | Explorer-S45 launch [failed] |
| United States | 1961-02-24 | Patrick AFB, FL | (Typed) cachet on cover | Explorer-S45 launch [failed] |
| United States | 1961-03-25 | Patrick AFB, FL | (Sarzin?) cachet on cover | Explorer-10 launch |
| United States | 1961-04-27 | Port Canaveral FL | (Goldcraft) cachet on cover | Explorer-11 launch |
| United States | 1961-04-27 | Patrick AFB, FL | (SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover | Explorer-11 launch |
| United States | 1961-06-30 | Wallops Island VA | (Rubber-stamp) cachet on cover | Explorer-S55 launch [failed] |
| United States | 1961-06-30 | Wallops Island VA | (Rubber-stamp) cachet (different) on cover | Explorer-S55 launch [failed] |
| United States | 1961-08-15 | Port Canaveral FL | (Goldcraft) cachet on cover | Explorer-12 launch |
| United States | 1961-08-16 | Patrick AFB, FL | (SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover | Explorer-12 launch |
| United States | 1961-08-25 | Wallops Island VA | (SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover | Explorer-13 launch |
| United States | 1961-08-25 | Wallops Island VA | (Rubber-stamp) cachet on cover | Explorer-13 (S55A, not S55) launch |
| United States | 1962-10-02 | Cape Canaveral FL | (?) cachet on cover | Explorer-14 launch (TIROS image)2 |
| United States | 1962-10-03 | Cape Canaveral FL | (Rank velvet) cachet on cover | Explorer-14 launch |
| United States | 1962-10-03 | Cape Canaveral FL | (SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover | Explorer-14 launch |
| United States | 1962-10-03 | Cape Canaveral FL | (Sarzin?) cachet on cover | Explorer-14 launch |
| United States | 1962-10-02 / 1964-12-21 | Cape Canaveral FL / Satellite Beach FL | (Rank velvet) cachet on cover | Explorer-14 and Explorer-26 launches |
| United States | 1962-10-29 | Cape Canaveral FL | (Sarzin?) cachet on cover | Explorer-15 launch |
| United States | 1962-10-29 | Cape Canaveral FL | (SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover | Explorer-15 launch |
| United States | 1962-12-16 | Wallops Island VA | (SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover | Explorer-16 launch |
| United States | 1962-12-16 | Wallops Island VA | (Rubber-stamp) cachet on cover | Explorer-16 launch |
| United States | 1962-12-16 | Wallops Island VA | (Rank velvet) cachet on cover | Explorer-16 launch |
| United States | 1962-12-16 / 1964-11-06 | Wallops Island VA / Wallops Island VA | (Rank velvet) cachet on cover | Explorer-16 and Explorer-23 launches |
| United States | 1963-04-03 | Cape Canaveral FL | (SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover | Explorer-17 launch |
| United States | 1963-04-02 | Satellite Beach FL | (Rubber-stamp) cachet on cover | Explorer-17 launch |
| United States | 1963-04-02 | Cape Canaveral FL | (Goldcraft) cachet on cover | Explorer-17 launch |
| United States | 1963-04-02 | Satellite Beach FL | (Rank velvet) cachet on cover | Explorer-17 launch |
| United States | 1963-04-03 | Cape Canaveral FL | (Sarzin) cachet on cover | Explorer-17 launch (Explorer-12/14/15 image) |
| United States | 1963-04-03 | Cape Canaveral FL | (Centennial?) cachet on cover | Explorer-17 launch |
| United States | 1963-11-27 | Cape Canaveral FL | (SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover | Explorer-18 launch |
| United States | 1963-11-27 | Cape Canaveral FL | (Sarzin?) cachet on cover | Explorer-18 launch |
| United States | 1963-11-26 / 1964-10-04 | Satellite Beach FL / Satellte Beach FL | (?) cachet on cover | Explorer-18 and Explorer-21 launches |
| United States | 1963-11-27 / 1964-10-04 | Cape Canaveral FL / Satellite Beach FL | (Rank velvet) cachet on cover | Explorer-18 and Explorer-21 launches |
| United States | 1963-12-19 | Vandenberg AFB, CA | (Rubber-stamp) cachet on cover | Explorer-19 launch |
| United States | 1963-12-19 | Vandenberg AFB, CA | (SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover | Explorer-19 launch |
| United States | 1963-12-19 | Vandenberg AFB, CA | (Sarzin?) cachet on cover | Explorer-19 launch |
| United States | 1963-12-19 | Vandenberg AFB, CA | (Rank velvet) cachet on cover | Explorer-19 launch |
| United States | 1964-03-19 | Cape Canaveral FL | (Sarzin) cachet on cover | Explorer-S66 launch [failed] (OAO-1 image)3 |
| United States | 1964-03-19 | Cape Canaveral FL | (Sokalsky) cachet on cover | Explorer-S66 launch [failed] |
| United States | 1964-03-19 | Cape Canaveral FL | (Swanson rubber-stamp) cachet on cover | Explorer-S66 launch [failed] |
| United States | 1964-03-19 | Cape Canaveral FL | (Centennial?) cachet on cover | Explorer-S66 launch [failed] (other satellites) |
| United States | 1964-03-20 | Cape Canaveral FL | (Goldcraft) cachet on cover | Explorer-S66 launch [failed] |
| United States | 1964-08-25 | Vandenberg AFB, CA | (SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover | Explorer-20 launch |
| United States | 1964-08-25 | Vandenberg AFB, CA | (Sarzin?) cachet on cover | Explorer-20 launch |
| United States | 1964-08-25 | Vandenberg AFB, CA | (Rubber-stamp) cachet on cover | Explorer-20 launch |
| United States | 1964-10-04 | Patrick AFB, FL | (Sarzin?) cachet on cover | Explorer-21 launch |
| United States | 1964-10-04 | Patrick AFB, FL | (SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover | Explorer-21 launch |
| United States | 1963-11-26 / 1964-10-04 | Satellite Beach FL / Satellte Beach FL | (?) cachet on cover | Explorer-18 and Explorer-21 launches |
| United States | 1963-11-27 / 1964-10-04 | Cape Canaveral FL / Satellite Beach FL | (Rank velvet) cachet on cover | Explorer-18 and Explorer-21 launches |
| United States | 1964-10-09 | Vandenberg AFB, CA | (Sarzin?) cachet on cover | Explorer-22 launch |
| United States | 1964-10-09 | Vandenberg AFB, CA | (SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover | Explorer-22 launch |
| United States | 1964-11-06 | Wallops Island VA | (SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover | Explorer-23 launch |
| United States | 1964-11-06 | Wallops Island VA | (Sarzin?) cachet on cover | Explorer-23 launch (wrong image) |
| United States | 1962-12-16 / 1964-11-06 | Wallops Island VA / Wallops Island VA | (Rank velvet) cachet on cover | Explorer-16 and Explorer-23 launches |
| United States | 1964-11-21 | Vandenberg AFB, CA | (SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover | Explorer-24+25 (Injun-4) launch |
| United States | 1964-11-21 | Vandenberg AFB, CA | (Sarzin?) cachet on cover | Explorer-24+25 (Injun-4) launch (wrong image) |
| United States | 1964-11-21 | Vandenberg AFB, CA | (Goldcraft) cachet on cover | Explorer-24+25 (Injun-4) launch |
| United States | 1964-11-21 | Vandenberg AFB, CA | (Rubber-stamp) cachet on cover | Explorer-24+25 (Injun-4) launch |
| United States | 1964-12-21 | Patrick AFB, FL | (SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover | Explorer-26 launch |
| United States | 1964-12-21 | Cape Canaveral FL | (Sokalskly) cachet on cover | Explorer-26 launch (wrong image) |
| United States | 1964-12-21 | Cape Canaveral FL | (Centennial?) cachet on cover | Explorer-26 launch (wrong image) |
| United States | 1964-12-21 | Cape Canaveral FL | (Sarzin) cachet on cover | Explorer-26 launch (wrong images) |
| United States | 1962-10-02 / 1964-12-21 | Cape Canaveral FL / Satellite Beach FL | (Rank velvet) cachet on cover | Explorer-14 and Explorer-26 launches |
| United States | 1965-04-29 | Wallops Island VA | (Sarzin?) cachet on cover | Explorer-27 launch |
| United States | 1965-04-29 | Wallops Island VA | (Rubber-stamp) cachet on cover | Explorer-27 launch |
| United States | 1965-04-29 | Wallops Island VA | (SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover | Explorer-27 launch |
| United States | 1965-04-29 | Wallops Island VA | (Rank velvet) cachet on cover | Explorer-27 launch |
| United States | 1965-04-29 | Wallops Island VA | (Centennial?) cachet on cover | Explorer-27 launch |
| United States | 1965-05-29 | Cape Canaveral FL | (SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover | Explorer-28 launch |
| United States | 1965-05-29 | Cape Canaveral FL | (?) cachet on cover | Explorer-28 launch |
| United States | 1965-11-06 | Patrick AFB, FL | (SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover | Explorer-29 (GEOS-1) launch |
| United States | 1965-11-06 | Cape Canaveral FL | (Sarzin?) cachet on cover | Explorer-29 (GEOS-1) launch (wrong image) |
| United States | 1965-11-06 | Patrick AFB, FL | (Sarzin) cachet on cover | Explorer-29 (GEOS-1) launch (Explorer-17 image) |
| United States | 1965-11-06 | Patrick AFB, FL | (Rank velvet) cachet on cover | Explorer-29 (GEOS-1) launch |
| United States | 1965-11-19 | Wallops Island VA | (SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover | Explorer-30 (SolRad-8) launch |
| United States | 1965-11-19 | Wallops Island VA | (Sarzin?) cachet on cover | Explorer-30 (SolRad-8) launch (wrong image) |
| United States | 1965-11-19 | Wallops Island VA | (Rank velvet) cachet on cover | Explorer-30 (SolRad-8) launch |
| United States | 1965-11-28 | Vandenberg AFB, CA | (SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover | Explorer-31 (ISIS-X) launch |
| United States | 1965-11-28 | Vandenbert AFB, CA | (Sarzin?) cachet on cover | Explorer-31 (ISIS-X) launch (wrong image) |
| United States | 1966-05-25 | Cape Canaveral FL | (SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover | Explorer-32 launch |
| United States | 1966-07-01 | Patrick AFB, FL | (Sarzin) cachet on cover | Explorer-33 launch |
| United States | 1966-07-01 | Cape Canaveral FL | (SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover | Explorer-33 launch |
| United States | 1966-07-01 | Cape Canaveral FL | (?) cachet on cover | Explorer-33 launch |
| United States | 1967-05-24 | Cape Canaveral FL | (Orbit) cachet on cover | Explorer-34 launch |
| United States | 1967-05-24 | Vandenberg AFB, CA | (SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover | Explorer-34 launch |
| United States | 1967-07-19 | Kennedy Space Center FL | (Rubber-stamp) cachet on cover | Explorer-35 launch |
| United States | 1967-07-19 | Patrick AFB, FL | (SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover | Explorer-35 launch |
| United States | 1968-01-11 | Vandenberg AFB, CA | (Orbit) cachet on cover | Explorer-36 (GEOS-2) launch |
| United States | 1968-01-11 | Vandenberg AFB, CA | (Rubber-stamp) cachet on cover | Explorer-36 (GEOS-2) launch |
| United States | 1968-01-11 | Lompoc CA, Vandenberg AFB | (SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover | Explorer-36 (GEOS-2) launch |
| United States | 1968-03-05 | Wallops Island VA | (Orbit) cachet on cover | Explorer-37 (SolRad-9) launch |
| United States | 1968-03-05 | Wallops Island VA | (Rubber-stamp) cachet on cover | Explorer-37 (SolRad-9) launch |
| United States | 1968-03-05 | Wallops Island VA | (SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover | Explorer-37 (SolRad-9) launch |
| United States | 1968-07-04 | Vandenberg AFB, CA | (Orbit) cachet on cover | Explorer-38 launch |
| United States | 1968-07-04 | Vandenberg AFB, CA | (SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover | Explorer-38 launch |
| United States | 1968-07-04 | Vandenberg AFB, CA | (Sarzin?) cachet on cover | Explorer-38 (mislabeled Explorer-36) launch (wrong image) |
| United States | 1968-08-08 | Vandenberg AFB, CA | (SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover | Explorer-39+40 (Injun-5) launch |
| United States | 1968-08-08 | Vandenberg AFB, CA | (Orbit) cachet on cover | Explorer-39+40 (Injun-5) launch |
| United States | 1968-08-08 | Vandenberg AFB, CA | (Rubber-stamp) cachet on cover | Explorer-39+40 (Injun-5) launch |
| United States | 1969-06-21 | Vandenberg AFB, CA | (Orbit) cachet on cover | Explorer-41 launch |
| United States | 1969-06-21 | Vandenberg AFB, CA | (Sarzin) cachet on cover | Explorer-41 launch |
| United States | 1969-06-21 | Lompoc CA, Vandenberg AFB | (SpaceCraft/Swanson) cachet on cover | Explorer-41 launch |
| United States | 1970-12-12 | Cape Canaveral FL | (Space Voyage) cachet on cover | Explorer-42 launch |
| United States | 1971-03-13 | Cape Canaveral FL | (Orbit) cachet on cover | Explorer-43 launch |
| United States | 1971-03-13 | Kennedy Space Center FL | (Space Voyage) cachet on cover | Explorer-43 launch |
| United States | 1971-07-09 | Wallops Island VA | (Rubber-stamp) cachet on cover | Explorer-44 (SolRad-10) launch |
| Kenya | 1971-11-15 | Malindi | (?) cachet on cover | Explorer-45 launch |
| Kenya | 1971-11-15 | Malindi | (Space Voyage) cachet on cover | Explorer-45 launch |
| United States | 1972-08-14 | Wallops Island VA | (Space Voyage) cachet on cover | Explorer-46 launch |
| United States | 1972-08-14 | Wallops Islands VA | (Sarzin) cachet on cover | Explorer-46 launch |
| United States | 1972-09-25 | Greenbelt MD | (GSFC) cachet on cover | Explorer-47 launch |
| United States | 1972-09-25 | Kennedy Space Center FL | (Fydo no.?) cachet on cover, also insert | Explorer-47 launch |
| Kenya | 1972-11-15 | Malindi | (Space Voyage) cachet on cover | Explorer-48 launch |
| Kenya | 1972-11-15 | Malindi | (?) cachet on cover | Explorer-48 launch |
| Australia | 1972-11-20? | Canberra ACT | (?) cachet on cover | Explorer-48 launch |
| United States | 1973-06-10 | Cape Canaveral FL | (Orbit) cachet on cover | Explorer-49 launch |
| United States | 1973-06-10 | Kennedy Space Center FL | (Space Voyage) cachet on cover | Explorer-49 launch |
| United States | 1973-10-25 | Greenbelt MD | (GSFC) cachet on cover | Explorer-50 launch |
| United States | 1973-10-26 | Cape Canaveral FL | (Orbit) cachet on cover | Explorer-50 launch |
| United States | 1973-10-26 | Kennedy Space Center FL | (Centennial?) cachet on cover | Explorer-50 launch |
| United States | 1973-12-15 | Vandenberg AFB, CA | (Orbit) cachet on cover | Explorer-51 launch |
| United States | 1973-12-15 | Vandenberg AFB, CA | (InterSpace) cachet on cover | Explorer-51 launch |
| United States | 1973-12-15 | Vandenberg AFB, CA | (Centennial?) cachet on cover | Explorer-51 launch |
| United States | 1974-06-30 | Wallops Island VA | (Space Voyage) cachet on cover | Explorer-51 data comparison |
| United States | 1974-06-03 | Vandenberg AFB, CA | (Centennial?) cachet on cover | Explorer-52 (Hawkeye / Injun-6) launch |
| United States | 1974-06-03 | Vandenberg AFB, CA | (Orbit) cachet on cover | Explorer-52 (Hawkeye / Injun-6) launch |
| United States | 1974-06-03 | Vandenberg AFB, CA | (Rubber-stamp) cachet on cover | Explorer-52 (Hawkeye / Injun-6) launch |
| Kenya | 1975-05-07 | Malindi | (?) cachet on cover | Explorer-53 launch |
| United States | 1975-10-06 | Vandenberg AFB, CA | (Space Voyage) cachet on cover | Explorer-54 launch |
| United States | 1975-10-06 | Greenbelt MD | (GSFC) cachet on cover | Explorer-54 launch |
| United States | 1975-10-06 | Vandenberg AFB, CA | (NASA rubber-stamp) cachet on cover | Explorer-54 launch |
| United States | 1975-10-06 | Vandenberg AFB, CA | (Rubber-stamp) cachet on cover | Explorer-54 launch |
| United States | 1975-11-19 | Kennedy Space Center FL | (Space Voyage) cachet on cover | Explorer-55 launch |
| United States | 1975-11-19 | Greenbelt MD | (GSFC) cachet on cover | Explorer-55 launch |
| United States | 1975-11-19 | Kennedy Space Center FL | (Centennial?) cachet on cover | Explorer-55 launch |
| United States | 1975-12-05 | Vandenberg AFB, CA | (Centennial?) cachet on cover | Explorer: DAD launch [failed] |
| United States | 1975-12-05 | Vandenberg AFB, CA | (Space Voyage) cachet on cover | Explorer: DAD launch [failed] |
| United States | 1977-10-22 | Cape Canaveral FL | (Orbit) cachet on cover | Explorer-56 (ISEE-1) launch (Explorer-51/54/55 image) |
| United States | 1977-10-25 | Kennedy Space Center FL | (SCPS)4 cachet on cover | Explorer-56 (ISEE-1) launch |
| Spain | 1978-01-26 | Madrid | (Printed) cachet on cover | Explorer-57 (IUE) launch |
| United States | 1978-01-26 | Cape Canaveral FL | (Orbit) cachet on cover | Explorer-57 (IUE) launch (OAO-B image) |
| United States | 1978-01-26 | Kennedy Space Center FL | (Space Voyage) cachet on cover | Explorer-57 (IUE) launch |
| United States | 1978-01-26 | Cape Canaveral FL | (?) cachet on cover | Explorer-57 (IUE) launch |
| United States | 1978-01-26 | GSFC, MD | (GSFC) cachet on cover | Explorer-57 (IUE) launch |
| United States | 1978-04-26 | Vandenberg AFB, CA | (Space Voyage) cachet on cover | Explorer-58 (HCMM) launch |
| United States | 1978-04-26 | Vandenberg AFB, CA | (Centennial?) cachet on cover | Explorer-58 (HCMM) launch |
| United States | 1978-04-26 | Vandenberg AFB, CA | (NASA purple rubber-stamp) cachet on cover | Explorer-58 (HCMM) launch |
| United States | 1978-04-26 | Vandenberg AFB, CA | (NASA blue rubber-stamp) cachet on cover | Explorer-58 (HCMM) launch |
| Spain | 1978-08-12 | Madrid | (Printed) cachet on cover | Explorer-59 (ISEE-3 / ICE) launch |
| United States | 1978-08-12 | Cape Canaveral FL | (Orbit) cachet on cover | Explorer-59 (ISEE-3 / ICE) launch (Explorer-51/54/55 image) |
| United States | 1978-08-?? | ? | (Rubber-stamp) cachet on cover | Explorer-59 (ISEE-3 / ICE) launch |
| United States | 1978-08-14 | Kennedy Space Center FL | (Space Voyage) cachet on cover | Explorer-59 (ISEE-3 / ICE) launch |
| United States | 1979-02-18 | Wallops Island VA | (Space Voyage) cachet on cover | Explorer-60 (SAGE) launch |
| United States | 1979-10-30 | Vandenberg AFB, CA | (NASA rubber-stamp) cachet on cover | Explorer-61 (MagSat) launch |
| United States | 1981-10-06 | Greenbelt MD | (GSFC) cachet on cover | Explorer-64 (SME) launch |
| United States | 1981-10-06 | Pasadena CA | (JPL) cachet on cover | Explorer-64 (SME) launch |
| United States | 1984-08-16 | Greenbelt MD | (GSFC) cachet on cover | Explorer-65 (AMPTE) launch |
| United States | 1999-03-04 | Lompoc CA, Vandenberg AFB | (Printed) cachet on cover | Explorer-75 (WIRE) launch |
| United States | 1999-03-04 | Lompoc CA, Vandenberg AFB | (Printed) cachet (different) on cover | Explorer-75 (WIRE) launch |
| United States | 1999-03-04 | Lompoc CA, Vandenberg AFB | (Printed) cachet (different) on cover | Explorer-75 (WIRE) launch |
| United States | 2002-02-05 | Cape Canaveral FL | (Printed) cachet on cover | Explorer-81 (HESSI) launch |
| United States | 2003-04-28 | Pasadena CA | (Printed) cachet on cover | Explorer-83 (GALEX) launch |
| United States | 2003-04-28 | Kennedy Space Center FL | (Printed) cachet on cover | Explorer-83 (GALEX) launch |
| United States | 2003-04-28 | Cape Canaveral FL | (Lollini) cachet on cover | Explorer-83 (GALEX) launch |
| United States | 2007-02-17 | Kennedy Space Center FL | (Lollini) cachet on cover | Explorer-85/89 (THEMIS) launch |
| United States | 2007-04-25 | VAFB Contract Station, Lompoc CA | (Printed) cachet on cover | Explorer-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
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