While Pioneer 3 did not meet its primary mission objective of a lunar flyby, the data obtained was of particular value to James Van Allen. The Pioneer 3 probe data in addition to the data from the previous Explorer 1 and Explorer 3 satellites led to the discovery of a distinct second radiation belt around the Earth. The trapped radiation starts at an altitude of several hundred miles from Earth (where the outer belt was first observed by Sputnik 2 and Sputnik 3) and extends for several thousand miles into space. These Van Allen radiation belts surrounding the Earth are named for Dr. James Van Allen, in honor of his discovery.
While Pioneer 3 did not meet its primary mission objective of a lunar flyby the data obtained was of particular value to Ja,mes Van Allen The Pioneer 3 probe data in addition to the data. from the previous Explorer 1 and Explorer 3 satellites led to the discovery of a distinct second radiation belt around the Earth. The trapped radiation starts at an altitude of several hundred miles from Earth (where the outer belt was first observed b.y Sputnik 2 and Sputnik 3) and extends for several thousand miles into space These Van Allen radiation belts surrounding the Earth are named for Dr James Van Allen in honor of his discovery